Teeth Development in Toddlers

The vast majority of toddlers have begun teething by their first birthday, and many toddlers will have 20 milk teeth by the time they turn 2. Teething ages and order of eruption are highly variable, and delayed teething is rarely a cause for concern. Contact a pediatric dentist if your toddler still has no teeth by 18 months.

Incisors

By the time a child is walking, he will likely already have his central incisors and lateral incisors on both the top and bottom, a total of eight teeth. These usually erupt by the end of the first year.

First Molars

On average, a toddler will get her first molars (the bottom pair) at around 12 months. The upper pair of first molars usually appears at around 14 months.

Cuspids

Cuspids, also called dog, eye or canine teeth, usually erupt in the middle of the second year. Lower cuspids come in at around 16 months, with upper cuspids erupting at 18 months.

Second Molars

The second set of molars will often, but not always, erupt by the time a toddler has turned 2. The bottom set will come in at about 20 months, and the upper set makes its appearance around a toddler's second birthday.

Considerations

Teething age has nothing to do with how healthy or smart a child is. A healthy toddler may not begin teething until after her first year, and some do not gain their upper second molars until age 3.