When a tooth or teeth come through the gum line it is known as tooth eruption and is a normal process of the body. The first set of teeth a child has is called the primary or deciduous teeth. As a child loses the primary teeth the second set of teeth known as the permanent or secondary teeth come through the gum line. Teeth are named for their location in the mouth and the function they serve. Incisors cut the food and canines tear the food. Premolars crush the food and permanent molars grind the food.
The typical age for tooth eruption can vary widely from child to child. Usually the first teeth erupt at about 6 to 8 months of age. The baby or primary teeth generally erupt in the following pattern:
Upper teeth:
Central incisors appear between 8 and 13 months old. Lateral incisors appear between 8 and 13 months old. Canines appear between 16 and 23 months old. First molars appear between 13 and 19 months old. Second molars appear between 25 and 33 months old.Lower teeth:
Central incisors appear between 6 and 10 months old. Lateral incisors appear between 10 and 16 months old.ﾷ Canines appear between 16 and 23 months old.
First molars appear between 13 and 19 months old Second molars appear between 23 and 31 months old.All 20 primary teeth have usually erupted by the age of 30 months old.
Even while the primary teeth are erupting the permanent teeth develop beneath the primary teeth. When a child is around the age of 6 years old the primary teeth begin to fall out and the permanent teeth appear through the gum line. The permanent teeth usually appear in the following pattern:
Upper teeth:
Lateral incisors appear between 8 and 9 years old Canine teeth appear between 11 and 12 years old. First premolar appears between 10 and 11 years old. Second premolar appears between 10 and 12 years old. First permanent molar appears between 6 and 7 years old. Second permanent molar appears between 12 and 13 years old. Third permanent molar (wisdom tooth) appears between 17 and 21 years old.Lower teeth:
Central incisors appear between the ages of 6 and 7 years old. Lateral incisors appear between 7 and 8 years old. Canine teeth appear between 9 and 10 years old. First premolar appears between 10 and 12 years old. Second premolar appears between 11 and 12 years old. First permanent molar appears between ages of 6 and 7 years old. Second permanent molar appears between 11 and 13 years old. Third permanent molar (wisdom tooth) appears between 17 and 21 years old.Usually when the second permanent molar appears most of the 32 permanent teeth are present.
Sometimes tooth eruption in children is delayed or even accelerated. The reason for this is that hormonal factors are involved in the regulation of tooth eruption more specifically hormones produced by the thyroid gland.
Accelerated tooth eruption is the result of too much hormone secretion by the thyroid and is termed hyperthyroidism. In hypothyroid children the eruption of primary and permanent teeth is delayed due to too little hormone secretion.
