Mouth and teeth

Each tooth has four main parts, including the following:

• enamel - the outer layer of the tooth
   
• dentin - the inner layer and the main part of the tooth
   
• pulp - part of the inside of the tooth that contains the nerve
   
• root - the part of the tooth that secures it into the jaw

When will my child's teeth come in?

Although every child is different, most of the primary teeth (baby teeth) come in between the ages of 4 and 12 months. The following are general guidelines to help you discern the eruption of your child's baby teeth:

1. The first tooth to erupt is usually a middle, front tooth on the lower jaw, known as the central incisor.
2. This is followed by the second central incisor on the lower jaw.
3. Usually, the four upper incisors then come in.
4. Next come the first four molars, and the remaining bottom two lateral incisors. (Lateral incisors are beside of-lateral to-the central incisors.)
5. Then the cuspids, or the pointed teeth, appear.
6. After a child turns 2, usually the four second molars (the last of the baby teeth) appear.

The pace of primary teeth eruption

The teeth on the upper jaw usually erupt one to two months after the same tooth on the lower jaw. There are a total of 20 primary teeth. Usually, about one tooth erupts per month once the teeth have started coming in. There is normally a space between all the baby teeth. This leaves room for the larger permanent teeth to erupt.

When will my child's permanent teeth come in?

Eruption of teeth happens at different times for each child. Below, we have provided average ages of eruption and

Your child will begin losing his primary teeth (baby teeth) around the age of 6.

The first teeth to be lost are usually the central incisors. This is then followed by the eruption of the first permanent molars. The last baby tooth is usually lost around the age of 12, and is the cuspid or second molar.