The New Tooth Did Not Replace a Baby Tooth
The first adult molars arrive behind the baby teeth. Learn why they are easy to miss and what to ask about brushing and preventive care.
Look right at the back
The first permanent molars commonly appear around age six or seven, behind the last baby teeth. They do not replace a baby tooth. The CDA highlights this distinction because a family waiting for a loose tooth may not notice the new adult teeth arriving.[1]
Ask your child to open comfortably and let the dental team show where to look. At brushing time, check that these back surfaces are reached rather than assuming the familiar front-to-back sweep still covers everything.
Add them to the care plan
Ask which brush position works while a tooth is partly through the gum and whether its grooves would benefit from a sealant. The dentist can consider decay risk and the stage of eruption. Keep helping with cleaning according to your child's skills.
Report pain, a suspicious spot or difficulty cleaning the area. If you are unsure whether a tooth is primary or permanent, ask instead of guessing from its size. The answer matters when planning care and when describing an injury.