Yes, a baby can get a lateral incisor first; this eruption variation is normal and usually just needs routine watching.
Teething rarely follows a perfect script. Many parents expect the two center teeth to pop up before anything else. In real life, the side front tooth can break through first. Parents often ask, “Can A Baby Get A Lateral Incisor First?” when they see a single side tooth peeking through ahead of the front pair. This guide explains why that happens, what a normal timeline looks like, and when to call a dentist.
Typical Baby Tooth Timeline And What Varies
Most kids start teething around six months, and the lower center pair leads the way. Upper center teeth often follow, then the side incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars. Nature leaves room for wiggle across families and even between the left and right side of the same mouth. A single tooth can jump the line without trouble. For reference, the ADA eruption charts show broad timing ranges that overlap by months.
| Tooth | Usual Age Range | Quick Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Lower Central Incisors | 6–10 months | Often first to appear |
| Upper Central Incisors | 8–12 months | Front teeth on top |
| Upper Lateral Incisors | 9–13 months | Can show before centrals in some kids |
| Lower Lateral Incisors | 10–16 months | May trail uppers |
| First Molars | 13–19 months (top), 14–18 months (bottom) | Wide range is common |
| Canines | 16–23 months | Pointed “eye” teeth |
| Second Molars | 23–33 months | Complete the set of 20 |
Can A Baby Get A Lateral Incisor First? Signs And Next Steps
Yes — and in many mouths nothing else seems out of place. You might spot a single side tooth on top before the center pair, or a bottom side tooth ahead of schedule. Gums can look a bit swollen or pale right over the erupting spot. A child may drool more, chew toys, or wake at night for a few days. Then the neighbors join in, and the smile looks balanced again.
Why Order Can Flip
Tooth buds form at different speeds, and bone over the center area can be a touch denser in some infants. Space, angle of the tooth bud, and tiny differences in root growth all play a part. Genetics set the overall tempo. A small reversal — side before center — fits patterns seen by pediatric dentists and in teaching texts.
What Counts As Normal Vs. Worth A Check
Normal: a side tooth shows up first, the matching teeth follow within a few weeks, and biting or speech stays on track. Worth a check: a long delay for the center pair, swelling that lingers, obvious discomfort that affects feeding, or a tooth that looks out of line. A quick peek by a dentist can rule out any blockage or extra tooth. If the gums look bluish and puffy over a tooth that has not broken through, that may be an eruption cyst, which often settles on its own but still deserves a look.
Taking Care Of Early Eruptors
Once a tooth cuts through, clean it twice a day with a rice-size smear of fluoride paste and a soft baby brush. Wipe remaining gums with a damp cloth. Offer chilled (not frozen) teething toys. Skip teething gels with benzocaine. Plan the first dental visit by the first birthday or within six months of the first tooth — guidance backed by pediatric dental groups, such as the AAPD’s brief on the age-one dental visit.
Lateral Incisor Before The Front Teeth — Normal Variations
This close variation of the common query “can a baby get a lateral incisor first” shows up in clinics and at home. A single lateral incisor can appear ahead of the central pair on the top jaw. Less often, a bottom side incisor leads the way. Many kids still follow the bigger arc: all four incisors erupt during the first year, give or take a few months, and the next set of teeth takes over in the second year.
What Dentists See Day To Day
Two patterns come up: 1) the side-then-center sequence with only a brief gap; 2) both a side and a center tooth erupting together on one jaw while the other jaw trails. Both fit a broad normal. The bite keeps developing as molars arrive and the jaws grow.
When Asymmetry Matters
A long gap — several months with no movement on the other side — deserves a look, especially if a bump feels hard deep in the gum or if the tooth that erupted sits far back or rotated. A dentist can check for an extra tooth, a cyst, or a rare fused tooth. Photos can help track changes; snap the smile each month under the same light and angle to see progress.
Comfort, Feeding, And Sleep Tips
Offer a firm rubber teether, a chilled spoon, or a cold washcloth. Give water often. Avoid sweet drinks in bottles. For soreness, ask your pediatrician about weight-based dosing for infant acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
What Not To Do
- No amber necklaces or teething tablets.
- No gels with benzocaine or lidocaine.
- No frozen toys that can stick to lips or cheeks.
- No dipping pacifiers in sweet liquids.
When To Call A Dentist
Schedule a routine visit by age one or within six months of the first tooth. Book sooner if you see any of the signs below.
| Sign | What It Might Mean | Action |
|---|---|---|
| No Tooth By 12–15 Months | Late eruption or possible blockage | See a pediatric dentist |
| Swelling Or Bleeding That Persists | Eruption cyst, injury, or infection | Get an exam |
| Tooth Looks Far Back Or Twisted | Space issue or rotation | Short check and advice |
| Fever Above 100.4°F (38°C) | Likely illness, not teething | Call your pediatrician |
| Feeding Problems Or Weight Loss | Pain or sore mouth | Call your clinician |
| Grey Or Brown Spots On Teeth | Early decay | Book a visit soon |
| One Side Erupts, Other Side Silent For Months | Asymmetry worth checking | See a dentist |
Answers To Common Parent Questions
Will A Lateral Incisor First Affect Speech Or Biting?
No in most cases. Speech sounds that use front teeth mature later, and the tongue and lips adapt fast. Biting soft foods is driven by gums and molars more than a single front tooth. If a child whistles air on “f” and “v” right as teeth erupt, that usually settles once the bite closes a bit more.
Could It Mean The Center Teeth Are Missing?
Rare. True absence of a baby central incisor is uncommon. A dentist can check with a simple exam. If needed later, a small X-ray can confirm the count of tooth buds. In day-to-day care, the plan stays the same: keep the mouth clean, watch the pattern, and let the dentist guide timing for any pictures.
Do We Need Special Brushing?
Keep it simple: brush twice a day with a rice-size smear of fluoride paste. Start flossing when two teeth touch. Offer water after meals. Save milk for meals, not naps. If thumb or pacifier use is frequent past age two, talk with your dentist about gentle ways to fade the habit before canines and molars set the bite.
What The Evidence Says
Charts from dental groups show the common order (center first, then lateral incisors) and the wide timing ranges. Teaching texts also mention that reversals can happen, with a side incisor erupting before a center tooth, and that two teeth can erupt together. Research reviews report broad timing differences between kids and across regions, which matches what families see at home. Those sources fit the lived pattern: order matters less than steady progress and healthy gums.
Bottom Line For Parents
Can A Baby Get A Lateral Incisor First? Yes — and in most cases it is a harmless twist on the usual order. Keep brushing, offer comfort, and plan that age-one visit. Call a pediatric dentist sooner if pain lingers, the gums look odd, or months pass without the center pair. Small questions are welcome at that check; you leave with a plan and a calmer teething season.