Children’s teeth begin forming before birth.

As early as 4 months, the first primary (or baby) teeth erupt.

Although all 20 primary teeth usually appear by age 3, the pace and order of their eruption varies. Lower central incisors appear first, followed closely by upper central incisors.

Permanent teeth begin appearing around age 6, starting with the first molars and lower central incisors. This process continues until approximately age 21. Adults have 28 permanent teeth, or up to 32 including the third molars (or wisdom teeth).