| Quick Answer: Children have 20 baby teeth — 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. They usually finish coming in by about age 3 and start falling out around age 6, finishing around age 12. Each one is replaced by a permanent tooth, and adults end up with 32 permanent teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth. |
Whether you’re counting your baby’s first teeth or watching your grade-schooler lose them, it helps to know the numbers. At Gallup Children’s Dentistry, our kid-focused team gets this question all the time: how many baby teeth should my child have? The quick answer is 20.
How Many Baby Teeth Are There?
A full set of baby teeth — also called primary teeth — is 20: 10 on the upper jaw and 10 on the lower jaw. Most children have all 20 by around age 3. That’s 12 fewer than the 32 permanent teeth adults have, because the jaw grows to make room for extra molars later on.
The 20 Baby Teeth by Type
| Tooth type | How many | Job |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | 4 | Biting and cutting |
| Lateral incisors | 4 | Cutting |
| Canines | 4 | Tearing food |
| First molars | 4 | Chewing |
| Second molars | 4 | Grinding |
Five types, repeated top and bottom on each side — 20 in total.
When Do They Come In and Fall Out?
Most babies get their first tooth between 6 and 12 months, usually a lower front tooth, with the full set in by about age 3. Tooth loss then starts around age 6 and wraps up around age 12, with the lower front teeth typically first to go.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
- They hold space and guide the permanent teeth into place.
- They help kids chew a healthy, varied diet.
- They support clear speech.
- Decay or early loss can affect the permanent teeth developing underneath.
When to Visit Our Kid-Focused Team
Plan a first dental visit by your child’s first birthday, and check in if teeth seem to come in much earlier or later than expected, look crowded or doubled up, or show signs of decay. Early visits keep things on track and build comfort with the dentist — and routine preventive care catches anything worth watching.
Visit Gallup Children’s Dentistry
Our kid-focused team on US Hwy 491 cares for Gallup, Navajo Nation, Grants and McKinley County families, from 9 months through age 18 (special needs to 26). Whether it’s a first tooth or a wiggly one, we’re glad to help. Contact our office to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many baby teeth does a child have?
A full set is 20 — 10 on top and 10 on bottom. Most children have all 20 by around age 3.
How many teeth should my 2-year-old have?
Around 16, with the second molars usually arriving between ages 2 and 3 to complete the set of 20.
Why do children have fewer teeth than adults?
Children have 20 baby teeth; adults have 32. The jaw grows through childhood to make room for additional molars, including wisdom teeth.
Do all baby teeth fall out?
Yes — all 20 are designed to fall out and be replaced by permanent teeth, usually between ages 6 and 12.
When should my child first see a dentist?
By the first birthday, or within six months of the first tooth coming in.
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Questions about your child’s teeth? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Gallup Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics │ 802 US Hwy 491, Ste 802, Gallup, NM 87301 │ (505) 862-5018 │ Contact Us → |