Tooth germ facts for kids

An X-ray showing how molars (back teeth) grow at different stages.

This X-ray shows a 5-year-old boy's baby tooth and the new adult teeth growing underneath.

Tooth development, also called odontogenesis, is the amazing way our teeth form, grow, and finally appear in our mouths. For teeth to be healthy, every part must develop correctly at the right time. This process starts even before we are born!

Our first set of teeth, often called baby teeth or primary teeth, begin to form when a baby is just 6 to 8 weeks old inside the mother. Later, around the twentieth week, the permanent teeth (our adult teeth) start to form. If teeth don't begin to develop around these times, they usually won't grow at all.

How Teeth Grow

Growing teeth is a very detailed process. It involves many tiny cells working together to build each part of the tooth. Think of it like building a house, but for your teeth! Each part, from the hard outer enamel to the soft inner pulp, forms step by step.

Stages of Tooth Growth

Tooth development happens in several main stages. These stages make sure that each tooth forms correctly and is strong enough to last.

Starting the Tooth

The very first step is when tiny groups of cells in the jaw begin to form. These groups are like the blueprints for where each tooth will be. They decide if it will be an incisor (front tooth), a canine (pointy tooth), or a molar (back tooth).

Building the Crown

After the tooth's position is set, the crown (the part you see above the gums) starts to form. Special cells create the enamel, which is the hardest substance in your body, covering the outside of the crown. Other cells build the dentin, a layer underneath the enamel.

Forming the Root

Once the crown is mostly formed, the root of the tooth begins to grow. The root is the part that sits inside your jawbone and holds the tooth in place. This process continues even after the tooth has pushed through the gums.

Eruption: Teeth Coming Out

Eruption is the term for when teeth push through the gums and become visible in the mouth. Baby teeth usually start erupting when a baby is about 6 months old. Permanent teeth start to erupt later, usually around age 6, as the baby teeth fall out.

Why Tooth Development Matters

Proper tooth development is super important for many reasons. Healthy teeth help us chew our food well, which is important for digestion. They also help us speak clearly and give us a nice smile. If teeth don't develop correctly, it can lead to problems like crooked teeth, missing teeth, or teeth that are weak and easily damaged.