Development of the Teeth

This series of pages show the annual development of teeth in the mouth and jaws from childhood to young adult.

Age 6 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 6 year-old child. The permanent (adult) first molars are just starting to erupt, as are the front teeth on the lower arch. The crowns of the permanent teeth are formed but the roots of the teeth have not yet developed. The spacing you see in the photograph is normal. This spacing of the primary (baby) teeth allows room for the larger adult teeth to erupt into place.
Age 7 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 7 year-old child. The permanent (adult) first molars are in occlusion and the front teeth on top and bottom have erupted. The spacing in the permanent teeth is normal and it will most likely close in a few years when the other teeth erupt into place.
Age 8 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 8 year-old child. The roots of the lower central (center) teeth and the permanent (adult) first molars are almost fully formed. The lateral incisors (the smaller front teeth next to the centrals) are partially erupted and they have many more months to go until they are in their proper position.
Age 9 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 9 year-old child. The roots of all the erupted teeth are almost fully formed. The laterals are close to being fully erupted. The unerupted permanent teeth are continuing to dissolve the roots of the primary teeth, which is natural.
Age 10 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 10 year-old child. The upper first pre-molar and the lower canine are starting to erupt. It is not unusual to see crowding of the teeth at this point in time. If there is crowding, a consultation with an orthodontist might be indicated.
Age 11 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 11 year-old child. All of the primary teeth have fallen out, the roots of the two front teeth and the first molars are fully developed and the remaining teeth will erupt very soon.
Age 12 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 12 year-old child. The remaining teeth, except for the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth), have started to erupt or will shortly erupt. Root formation of the erupted teeth is almost complete and the spaces between the teeth begin to close.
Age 13 by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical 13 year-old child. All of the permanent teeth, except for the 3rd molars (wisdom teeth), have erupted and are in occlusion except for the second molars. Spaces are closed and root formation is essentially complete for all erupted teeth. The 3rd molars are developing and will erupt, on average, around years 18-21.
Young Adult by

This is an example of what is developing inside the mouth of a typical young adult. All teeth are erupted and all root development is completed.

Development of the Teeth

Age 6 by

Age 7 by

Age 8 by

Age 9 by

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Age 13 by

Young Adult by