Primary teeth start to shed between the ages of six and seven. By age 21, the average person has 32 permanent teeth––16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.
Dr. Sierk at Sierk Children’s Dentistry is a pediatric dentist in Highlands Ranch and Castle Pines who can help your child maintain a healthy, beautiful smile. Dr. Sierk is here to guide you and your child throughout each stage of development––before teething, during the teething process, and when your child’s adult teeth come in.
Call us today if you have any questions or want to schedule an appointment with Dr. Sierk.
What Are Primary Teeth and Permanent Teeth?
Primary teeth are also called baby teeth, deciduous teeth, or milk teeth. Did you know primary teeth begin developing while in the womb? Tiny buds of baby teeth appear in the jaws at about five weeks gestation, and at birth, a baby already has a complete set of 20 teeth hiding under their gums. Permanent or secondary teeth are adult teeth that emerge after primary teeth fall out.
What Are the Different Types of Teeth?
There are many different types of teeth, each with a specific purpose:
- Incisors – Incisors are front teeth in the upper and lower jaws that cut food.
- Canines – Canines are pointy teeth by the incisors in the upper and lower jaws that tear food.
- Premolars – Premolars have flat surfaces, designed to crush food.
- Molars – Molars are in the back of the mouth, where they grind food.
Teething and Loss of Baby Teeth
When teeth emerge from beneath the gums, it’s called “eruption” or “teething.” The timing for tooth eruption varies from child to child. For example, one child may have their first tooth erupt when they’re a few months old, while another may start teething around 12 months old. Generally, children have their complete set of primary teeth by three years old.
Though the timing may vary, the order of tooth development is pretty consistent:
- First molars – between ages 6 and 7
- Central incisors – between ages 6 and 8
- Lateral incisors – between ages 7 and 8
- Canine teeth – between ages 9 and 13
- Premolars – between ages 9 and 13
- Second molars – between ages 11 and 13
- Third molars – between the ages of 17 and 21
Contact Our Pediatric Dentist in Castle Pines
Does your little one have a tooth coming in? Or is your child losing their baby teeth and developing their adult teeth? Dr. Sierk would love to see them at our Castle Pines or Highland Ranch dental offices! Dr. Sierk can evaluate your child’s dental development and ensure their mouth stays healthy before, during, and after all their permanent teeth grow in.
Call us today to schedule your child’s appointment!