Everyone gets two sets of teeth:
- The first set are called 'milk teeth'
- The second are called 'adult teeth'
There are 20 milk teeth which will begin to fall out at the ages of 6 or 7. These are replaced by 32 adult teeth.
A full set of adult teeth consists of 8 incisors, 4 canines, 8 premolars and 12 molars.
Usually the first adult tooth to appear is an incisor. The last four teeth to appear are wisdom teeth.
Premolars and molars are at the sides and back of the mouth. They grind food to make it easier to swallow.
Incisors are at the front of the mouth. They have flat, sharp edges because they have to cut into food as you bite it.
Canines are fang-like teeth at the front of the mouth. They hold on to tough food like meat and tear it apart, which is why they're long and pointed.
Wisdom teeth may stay under the gums and not appear at all for some people.
Teething chart
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6-12 months |
9-16 months |
1-1½ years |
1½-2 years |
2-3 years |






