Kids have 20 teeth, known as baby teeth (primary teeth).
These teeth begin to appear around 6 months of age and are gradually replaced by adult teeth between ages 6 and 12.
What Are Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth (also called primary teeth or milk teeth) are the first set of teeth children develop.
👉 Total baby teeth:
- 20 teeth in total
- 10 upper teeth
- 10 lower teeth
These teeth help children:
- Chew food
- Speak clearly
- Guide adult teeth into position
How Many Baby Teeth Do Kids Have?
Children have a total of 20 baby teeth.
These include:
- 8 incisors (front teeth)
- 4 canines (pointed teeth)
- 8 molars (back teeth)
All 20 teeth usually appear by age 2–3 years.
Baby Teeth Chart (Types of Teeth)
| Type of Tooth | Number | Function |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 8 | Cutting food |
| Canines | 4 | Tearing food |
| Molars | 8 | Grinding food |
| Total | 20 | — |
How Many Teeth Do Babies Have? (0–2 Years)
At Birth
- Babies are born with no visible teeth.
Baby Teething Timeline
| Age | Teeth Count |
|---|---|
| 6 months | 2–4 teeth |
| 8 months | 4–6 teeth |
| 10 months | 6–8 teeth |
| 12 months (1 year) | 6–10 teeth |
By their first birthday, most babies have around 6–10 teeth.
Key Fact
By age 2, most children have 16–20 teeth, and by age 3, they usually have the full set of 20 teeth.
Order of Baby Teeth Eruption
Teeth don’t appear randomly — they follow a specific order:
- Central incisors (bottom first) – 6–10 months
- Upper incisors – 8–12 months
- Canines – 16–20 months
- First molars – 12–18 months
- Second molars – 20–30 months
Signs of Teething in Babies
Common signs include:
- Drooling
- Irritability
- Chewing on objects
- Swollen gums
Teething is normal, but severe pain or fever should be checked by a dentist.
How Many Teeth Do Toddlers Have? (1–3 Years)
Toddlers gradually develop all their baby teeth:
- Age 1 → 4–8 teeth
- Age 2 → 16–20 teeth
- Age 3 → Full set of 20 teeth
So, toddlers typically end up with 20 teeth.
How Many Teeth Do Kids Have by Age?
Here’s a quick age-wise teeth breakdown:
| Age | Teeth Count |
|---|---|
| 1 year | 4–8 |
| 2 years | 16–20 |
| 3 years | 20 |
| 5 years | 20 |
| 6 years | 20 (start losing teeth) |
| 7–8 years | Mixed (baby + adult teeth) |
| 9–10 years | Mixed teeth stage |
| 11–12 years | Up to 28 teeth |
How Many Teeth Do Kids Lose?
Kids lose a total of 20 baby teeth that fall out between ages 6–12.
These are replaced by permanent (adult) teeth.
When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth?
Tooth loss usually happens between ages 6 and 12.
General Timeline:
- Age 6–7 → First teeth fall out
- Age 8–10 → Continued tooth loss
- Age 11–12 → Most baby teeth gone
By age 12, most children have lost all 20 baby teeth.
When Should You Worry About Delayed Teeth?
You may want to consult a dentist if:
- No teeth by 18 months
- Teeth fall out too early or too late
- Severe pain or swelling
Every child is different, but large delays should be checked.
When Should Kids First Visit a Dentist?
Experts recommend:
- First dental visit by age 1
- Or within 6 months of the first tooth
Early visits help prevent dental problems.
How Many Teeth Do Kids Have vs Adults?
| Age Group | Teeth Count |
|---|---|
| Kids | 20 teeth |
| Adults | 28–32 teeth |
- Adults have 32 teeth (including wisdom teeth)
- Many adults have 28 teeth if wisdom teeth are removed
Upper vs Lower Teeth in Kids
Kids have:
- 10 upper teeth
- 10 lower teeth
Balanced structure helps with chewing and speech.
Do Babies Have 32 Teeth?
No.
Babies and children only have 20 teeth.
The full 32 teeth develop in adulthood.
Why Do Some People Have Only 28 Teeth?
Many adults have 28 teeth instead of 32 because:
- Wisdom teeth never develop
- Or they are removed
This is completely normal and not harmful.
How Many Teeth Do Kids Need to Chew?
Even a small number of teeth helps babies start eating solid food.
- Front teeth → biting
- Molars → grinding
By the time kids have 20 teeth, they can chew most foods properly.
Fun Facts About Kids’ Teeth
- Kids lose 20 teeth total
- The first tooth usually appears around 6 months
- Tooth loss starts around age 6
- The Tooth Fairy tradition rewards kids for lost teeth
FAQs About Kids’ Teeth
How many teeth do kids have before they lose them?
Kids have 20 baby teeth before they start losing them.
How many teeth should a child have?
Most children should have 20 teeth by age 3.
How many teeth do kids usually have?
Typically 20 teeth, unless they are in the transition phase.
How many teeth do little kids have?
Little kids (ages 2–5) usually have 20 teeth.
How many teeth do young children have?
Young children generally have 20 primary teeth.
How many teeth do humans have for kids?
Kids → 20 teeth
Adults → 28–32 teeth
Final Thoughts
Kids have 20 baby teeth, which play a crucial role in:
- Eating
- Speaking
- Proper jaw development
As they grow, these teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent teeth, eventually leading to a full adult smile of 28–32 teeth.
Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Ayaan Rahman
Dental Science Contributor & Animal Biology Researcher
Dr. Rahman specializes in dental structures across humans and animals, ensuring accurate and research-based educational content.
