Most 13-month-olds have between four and eight teeth, though some perfectly healthy toddlers have fewer or more. By this age, the lower and upper central incisors (the four front teeth) are usually in, and the lateral incisors on either side may be partially or fully through the gums. The total count varies widely because tooth eruption follows its own schedule for every child.
The Typical Timeline at 13 Months
Baby teeth tend to arrive in a predictable order, even if the exact timing differs from child to child. The lower central incisors come first, appearing around 7 to 8 months on average, followed by the upper central incisors near 9 months. The upper lateral incisors show up around 10 to 11 months, and the lower lateral incisors follow at roughly 11 to 12 months. That sequence gives most children somewhere between four and eight visible teeth by the time they turn 13 months old.
These averages mask a huge range of normal. In a large study of children’s eruption patterns, lower central incisors appeared anywhere from 3 to 14 months, and upper lateral incisors ranged from 6 to 26 months. So a 13-month-old with just two teeth and another with a full set of eight incisors can both be developing normally.
What Comes Next: First Molars
At 13 months, your child is right at the doorstep of a new phase. The first molars, the broader teeth behind the incisors, typically start coming in between 13 and 19 months. These are larger than the front teeth and tend to cause more discomfort as they push through. You may notice your toddler chewing on objects more aggressively, drooling heavily, or becoming fussier than usual, especially around mealtimes and bedtime.
After the first molars, the canines (the pointed teeth between the incisors and molars) usually arrive, followed by the second molars. The full set of 20 baby teeth is generally complete by age 2.5 to 3.
When Fewer Teeth May Be a Concern
Some babies are simply late bloomers. A child with no teeth at 12 months is on the later end of normal but not necessarily behind. If your toddler still has no teeth at all by 18 months, that’s the point where a dental evaluation is worth pursuing to rule out underlying conditions. Possible causes of genuinely delayed eruption include nutritional deficiencies, genetic factors, or, rarely, issues with the jawbone or gums.
Calcium and phosphorus are the primary minerals that build tooth enamel, and vitamin D helps the body absorb both. Low levels of any of these during pregnancy or infancy can slow tooth development and weaken mineralization. If your child was born prematurely or has had feeding difficulties, these nutritional factors are worth discussing with your pediatrician.
Teething Symptoms at This Age
Teething at 13 months looks a lot like it did at 6 months: red, swollen gums where the new tooth is pushing through, extra drooling, irritability, and disrupted sleep. Loss of appetite is common too, since chewing can be uncomfortable when gums are inflamed. A chilled (not frozen) teething ring or a clean, damp washcloth to gnaw on provides relief for most toddlers.
One important distinction: teething does not cause a true fever. Your child’s temperature may rise very slightly, but anything above 100.4°F (38°C) has a different cause and shouldn’t be chalked up to a new tooth coming in.
Caring for Those First Teeth
Even with only a few teeth, brushing matters. Early childhood cavities can develop as soon as teeth are present, and they spread quickly in baby teeth because the enamel is thinner than in adult teeth. Use a soft-bristled infant toothbrush with a rice grain-sized smear of fluoride toothpaste (1,000 ppm fluoride) twice a day. That tiny amount is effective against decay while being safe if swallowed.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association both recommend scheduling a first dental visit within six months of the first tooth appearing, and no later than 12 months of age. If your 13-month-old hasn’t been yet, it’s a good time to book that appointment. The first visit is short and mostly about checking development, getting your child comfortable in a dental chair, and giving you personalized guidance on brushing and diet.