A child's first teeth are called baby or primary (deciduous) teeth. Primary teeth are present deep in the gums at birth. These teeth start to come in between 4 and 18 months of age. In most children, all 20 baby teeth are in place by age 3. Taking good care of them helps the adult teeth develop correctly.
At age 6 or 7, baby teeth begin to fall out. They are replaced by adult (permanent) teeth. Most adult teeth are in place by the time a child is in their early teens. Permanent teeth are the ones a child will have for the rest of their life.
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Online Medical Reviewer: Jessica Gotwals RN BSN MPH
Online Medical Reviewer: Michael Kapner MD
Online Medical Reviewer: Tennille Dozier RN BSN RDMS
Date Last Reviewed: 06/01/2025
© 2000-2026 The StayWell Company, LLC. All rights reserved. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical care. Always follow your healthcare professional's instructions.
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