What are missing teeth?

How can I tell if I have teeth missing?

It’s important for all young people to have regular dental check-ups. Dental checks should start before your first birthday. Click here to find out more.

Your dentist will check and count your teeth. This helps to spot any teeth that might be missing.

If other people in your family have teeth missing, your dentist will take extra care to check how your teeth are growing. If your dentist thinks some of your teeth may be missing, he or she may take an X-ray.

When do teeth normally grow?

You won’t know if a tooth is missing until you reach a certain age. Below, you can click on a tooth to see what age teeth normally grow.

This tooth is called an upper central incisor
It starts to develop when you are around 3-4 months old
It usually grows into the mouth at 7-8 years old

This tooth is called an upper lateral incisor
It starts to develop when you are around 1 year old
It usually grows into the mouth at 8-9 years old

This tooth is called an upper canine
It starts to develop when you are around 4-5 months old
It usually grows into the mouth at 11-12 years old

This tooth is called an upper first premolar
It starts to develop when you are around 1.5-2 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 10-11 years old

This tooth is called an upper second premolar
It starts to develop when you are 2-2.5 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 10-12 years old

This tooth is called an upper first molar
It starts to develop when you are born
It usually grows into the mouth at 5.5-7 years old

This tooth is called an upper second molar
It starts to develop when you are around 2.5-3 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 12-14 years old

This tooth is called an upper third molar (wisdom tooth)
It starts to develop when you are around 7-8 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 17 years or older

This tooth is called a lower central incisor
It starts to develop when you are around 3-4 months old
It usually grows into the mouth around 6-7 years old

This tooth is called a lower lateral incisor
It starts to develop when you are around 3-4 months old
It usually grows into the mouth at 7-8 years old

This tooth is called a lower canine
It starts to develop when you are around 4-5 months old
It usually grows into the mouth at 9-11 years old

This tooth is called a lower first premolar
It starts to develop when you are around 1.5-2 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 10-12 years old

This tooth is called a lower second premolar
It starts to develop when you are 2-2.5 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 11-13 years old

This tooth is called a lower first molar
It starts to develop when you are born
It usually grows into the mouth at 5.5-7 years old

This tooth is called a lower second molar
It starts to develop when you are around 2.5-3 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 12-14 years old

This tooth is called a lower third molar (wisdom tooth)
It starts to develop when you are around 8-10 years old
It usually grows into the mouth at 17 years or older

Select a tooth to find out when it normally grows.