The anatomy of the teeth and mouth refers to the parts that make up the teeth and mouth. This includes the teeth, gums, tongue, jaw and the tissues inside and around them. Teeth develop in four main stages and each tooth has four key parts.

The four stages include:

• Stage one: This stage begins when the baby is about 6 weeks old in the womb. The basic parts of the teeth start to form.
• Stage two: Around 3 to 4 months in the womb, the hard part around the teeth starts to form.
• Stage three: After the baby is born, the teeth begin to break through the gums.
• Stage four: The child begins to lose their baby teeth.

The four main parts of the tooth include:

• Enamel: The hard outer layer of the tooth
• Dentin: The inner layer and main part of the tooth
• Pulp: The inside part that contains the nerve
• Root: The part that holds the tooth in the jaw

While every child is different, most primary, or baby, teeth come in between 4 and 12 months of age. Below is more detail on when baby and adult teeth appear.

When Baby Teeth Appear

Each child’s teeth come in at their own pace, but baby teeth usually start to appear with the two front teeth on the bottom. Next, the four front teeth on top come in.

Then, the first four molars and the side front teeth appear. After that, the pointed teeth, the cuspids, show up. By about age 2, the second molars — the last baby teeth — come in.

Upper teeth usually come in one to two months after the matching lower teeth. Kids get 20 baby teeth in total, often one per month once they start. Spaces between baby teeth provide room for the larger adult teeth to emerge later.

When Adult Teeth Appear

Kids start losing baby teeth around age 6, usually the front teeth first. Then, the first adult molars come in.

Most kids lose their last baby tooth by age 12. That is usually a pointed tooth or second molar. There will be a total of 32 adult teeth.

We’ve designed every part of the dental visit for kids, from the space itself to our approach to care. Our experts have advanced training to treat babies, kids and teens with all their dental needs.

Expert care for all: Our team knows how to care for all kids in a safe and kind way. This includes those with delays, sensory issues or health conditions.

All-in-one services: We offer complete dental care. From cleanings and checkups to surgery and braces, we do it all.

Hospital care: When needed, we can provide safe dental care with sleep medicine at our top-ranked children’s hospital.

Before

To prepare for your child’s dental visit:

• Please arrive 15 minutes early.
• We may ask you to fill out health forms.
• Let the dental team know if your child’s health has changed.
• If your child needs medicine to help them relax or sleep, we’ll guide you on what they can eat and drink. It’s key that they follow these guidelines before their visit.

During

Our dental clinics are calm spaces designed for kids. Caring staff will help your child feel safe and relaxed. Your child will see one or more of our dental experts, who use a gentle, modern approach for all visits.

After

You'll get guidelines for brushing, eating and caring for your child’s mouth and teeth. If your child received medicine to help them relax or sleep, they may need extra rest after their visit. We’ll also help you book any follow-up visits if needed.