When Will My Child Get Adult Permanent Teeth
The first permanent (adult) teeth generally appear around age 5 or 6, starting with the two lower front teeth and the first permanent molars (6 year molars), located just behind the baby molars.
All children develop at different rates, so some will get permanent teeth sooner while others may get them much later. However, children generally have all permanent teeth by age 14, except for the “wisdom teeth” (third permanent molars) – which may come in anywhere from age 16 to 20, if they are present at all.
Don't be alarmed if your child's permanent teeth start growing in behind, above, or in front of the baby teeth. Sometimes our mouths are smaller than our teeth need them to be, so teeth grow in at all kinds of strange angles and places. If you notice this, don't panic – it is fairly normal. However, we still need to see your child to take an x-ray and make sure the baby tooth will be able to come out on its own and the permanent tooth will have room to grow in all the way.
Permanent teeth are also naturally darker and less white than baby teeth – but they should be solid in their darker color. If you notice mottling, dark brown spots, lines, stippling (vertical stripes), or holes in the teeth, you should set up an appointment to have the teeth checked for enamel defects or decay.
Enamel defects make teeth weaker and more susceptible to decay. Sometimes a special fluoride prescription can help ward off decay, but you will need to get that prescription from your child's dentist.
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