Baby teeth and adult teeth differ in more than size: children have 20 baby teeth that begin appearing around six months of age, while adults have 32 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth) that gradually replace them from about age six. Baby teeth are smaller, whiter and have thinner enamel — which makes them more prone to decay — but their most important job is holding space and guiding the adult teeth into the right position. That is exactly why they are worth looking after, even though they are temporary.
If you are a parent trying to make sense of what is coming through, when, and how much of it matters, here is the practical picture.
The timeline: when teeth come and go
Teeth arrive and are replaced in a fairly predictable order, though every child runs to their own clock — a few months either side of these ages is completely normal.
Stage | Rough age | What's happening |
|---|---|---|
First baby teeth appear | 6–12 months | Usually the bottom front teeth first |
Full set of 20 baby teeth | By around age 3 | Teething is generally complete |
First adult molars & front teeth | Around age 6–7 | New molars come through behind the baby teeth |
Mixed baby and adult teeth | Age 6–12 | The "mixed dentition" years |
Most adult teeth in place | By around age 13 | Except wisdom teeth |
Wisdom teeth (if they come) | Age 17–25 | May need monitoring or removal |
The takeaway is not to memorise the dates but to notice the pattern: for several years your child will have a mix of both sets at once, and both need care.
"They're just going to fall out" — why baby teeth matter
It is the most common misconception we hear, and an understandable one. But baby teeth are not placeholders you can ignore. They do real work:
- They hold space for the adult teeth. Each baby tooth guides the permanent tooth beneath it into position. Lose one too early to decay, and neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap — leaving the adult tooth crowded or blocked when it finally arrives.
- They shape the jaw and face. Chewing on a healthy set of baby teeth helps the jaw develop normally.
- They matter for speech. Front teeth help children form sounds clearly as they learn to talk.
- They affect eating and confidence. A child in pain from decay eats less well and may feel self-conscious about their smile.
A cavity in a baby tooth is not something to wait out. If decay is caught early, cavity treatment is quick and protects the permanent tooth forming underneath.
Caring for the mixed-teeth years
Between roughly six and twelve, your child's mouth is a building site — baby teeth loosening, adult teeth pushing through, and gaps everywhere. A few things help this stage go smoothly:
- Keep brushing twice a day, morning and night, with a fluoride toothpaste suited to their age. Children usually need help or supervision until about age seven or eight.
- Do not rush a wobbly tooth. Let loose baby teeth come out naturally rather than forcing them.
- Watch the new molars. The first adult molars arrive around age six, often unnoticed, and their grooves trap food — they are a common site for early decay.
- Keep up regular check-ups, which let us track development and catch problems while they are small. Our guide on why regular check-ups matter explains what those visits involve.
A few things that are normal — and one to watch
Parents worry about a lot of small changes in these years, and most turn out to be completely normal:
- Gaps between baby teeth are a good sign. They leave room for the larger adult teeth to come through without crowding later on.
- New adult teeth can look yellower than the baby teeth beside them. That is expected — permanent teeth are naturally a slightly darker shade, and it does not mean they are unhealthy.
- Slightly crooked new teeth often settle on their own as the jaw grows and more teeth arrive to line up beside them.
The one thing worth acting on quickly is a baby tooth that darkens after a knock, or a visible spot of decay. Both are worth a prompt look rather than a wait-and-see, because trouble in a baby tooth can reach the adult tooth developing underneath it.
Helping your child feel at home at the dentist
The children who breeze through dental visits as teenagers are almost always the ones who started young, before anything hurt. Early, positive visits build a sense that the dentist is normal and nothing to fear.
A few simple things help: talk about the dentist in neutral, upbeat terms rather than promising it "won't hurt" (which plants the idea it might), read a picture book about a dental visit, and let the first appointments be short and pressure-free. Many mums and dads are surprised how quickly a nervous toddler becomes a confident regular.
Bring the whole family to Hornsby
At Good Morning Dental, we see children and adults alike, and we take the time to make young patients feel comfortable rather than rushed. Whether it is a first check-up or a wobbly-tooth worry, we are happy to help — and to answer the small questions parents never think to ask.
Visit us at either of our Sydney clinics:
- Hornsby — 141 Peats Ferry Rd, Hornsby NSW 2077 · (02) 9987 2555
Book a consultation and give your child an easy, unhurried start with the dentist.