Teeth for Life
At birth people usually have 20 primary (baby) teeth, which often erupt through the gums as early as six months of age.
These teeth are then shed at various times throughout childhood. By age 21, all 32 of the permanent teeth have usually erupted.
LEARN MORE
Getting to know your teeth is fun! Learn all about your teeth with our fun, interactive, and educational diagrams:
- Anatomy of a Tooth
- Know Your Teeth
- Brushing Instructions
- Flossing Instructions
- Brushing and Flossing Printable instructions >
- Anatomy of a Tooth:
- Know Your Teeth:
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Age: 6-10 months
Primary lower central incisors erupt.
Age: 8-12 months
Primary upper central incisors erupt.
Age: 9-16 months
Primary upper & lower lateral incisors erupt.
Age: 13-19 months
First molars erupt. The upper molars generally erupt before the lower molars. Average age of shed: 9-11 years.
Age: 16-23 months
Canines erupt. The upper canines generally erupt before the lower canines. Average age of shed: 9-12 years.
Age: 23-33 months
Second molars erupt. Generally the lower molars erupt first, followed by the upper molars. Average age of shed: 10-12 years.
Age: 6-7 years
The primary upper and lower central incisors are shed, and the permanent upper and lower first molars and lower central incisors erupt.
Age: 7-8 years
The primary upper and lower lateral incisors are shed, and the permanent upper central incisors and lower lateral incisors erupt.
Age: 8-9 years
The permanent upper lateral incisors erupt and the primary upper first molars are shed.
Age: 9-10 years
The primary upper and lower canines and the lower first molars are shed, and the permanent lower canines erupt.
Age: 10-12 years
The primary upper and lower 2nd molars are shed, and the permanent upper canines erupt, as well as upper and lower first and second premolars.
Age: 11-13 years
The permanent upper and lower 2nd molars erupt.
Age: 17-21 years
The upper and lower 3rd molars (or wisdom teeth) erupt.
- Brushing Instructions
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Brushing: Step 1
Place your toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to your gum.
Brushing: Step 2
Brush gently in a circular motion.
Brushing: Step 3
Brush the outer, inner, and chewing surfaces of each tooth.
Brushing: Step 4
Use the tip of your brush for the inner surface of your front teeth.
- Flossing Instructions
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Flossing: Step 1
Wind about 18 inches of floss around your fingers as shown. Most of it should be wrapped around one finger, and as the floss is used, the other finger takes it up.
Flossing: Step 2
Use your thumbs and forefingers to guide about one inch of floss between your teeth.
Flossing: Step 3
Holding the floss tightly, gently saw the floss between your teeth. Then curve the floss into a C-shape against one tooth and gently slide it beneath your gums.
Flossing: Step 4
Slide the floss up and down, repeating for each tooth.
