Smile timeline

6-10 months: Baby teeth begin to erupt.

Young boy holds a stuffed animal and a graph appears of mouth full of baby teeth beside him.

1 to 3 years: 20 baby teeth grow in.

School aged boy with a backpack, soccer ball and a missing baby tooth

5-7 years: Child starts to lose baby teeth.

A young teenager holding a cell phone and braces on teeth

8-16 years: May begin wearing braces (if needed). After braces, a retainer is installed or worn.

12 years: 28 permanent teeth come in.

Illustration of a college student next to an image showing an impacted wisdom tooth

16-25 years: Wisdom teeth begin to erupt and may need to be removed.

Illustration of an adult business man with a briefcase and a tooth showing worn enamel.

25+ years: Wear and tear may start to show on teeth and enamel.

Illustration of an adult man holding a baby and a tooth indicating plaque and gingivitis

30+ years: Signs of periodontal (gum) disease may develop.

Man with fishing pole and mouth with swollen tonsils

50+ years: Signs of dry mouth may develop.

Senior man standing with a cane. Diagram of mouth shows tooth loss and denture replacement.

65+ years: Tooth loss may begin. Implants/replacements may be needed.

This information in this post is for general educational purposes only and does not warrant or represent any information as related to health as specifically appropriate for you. It is not intended to be medical advice or replace the relationship that you have with your health care providers. You should always seek medical advice on any diagnosis or treatment from a qualified health care provider. The information is provided “as is” without any representations or warranties, express or implied.

Cindy McGregor, DDS

Dr. Cindy McGregor is the Vice President of Dental Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor is a 1998 graduate of the University of Minnesota-School of Dentistry. She has been a hygiene instructor and practiced in both a small and large group practices in the Metropolitan area of Minnesota. Dr. McGregor has been a member of the Minnesota Dental Association as well as the American Dental Association for over 25 years.

Eileen Crespo, MD

Dr. Eileen Crespo is the Vice President of Medical Services at Delta Dental of Minnesota. She is a practicing pediatrician of over 25 years. She graduated from Syracuse University with a BS in Biology and received her medical degree from the State University of New York at Buffalo. She is currently a fellow of the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), Co-Chapter Oral Health Advocate (COHA) of the Minnesota American Academy of Pediatrics, and a member of the Board of Directors of Children’s Dental Services, and the Minnesota Chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics.