As children grow into adults, their teeth go through many changes. Baby teeth fall out and are replaced by permanent adult teeth. But even after permanent teeth come in, they continue to develop below the gumline, in the bones of the jaws. This growth process does eventually come to an end for most teeth. Understanding which teeth stop growing and when can help you take better care of your oral health.
Overview of Tooth Growth
Human teeth begin developing while still in the womb, but they remain embedded in the gums and jaw bones until the time is right for them to erupt. The first set of 20 baby teeth typically begins erupting around 6 months of age and finishes coming in by about 3 years old. These deciduous or “milk” teeth help children chew food while the permanent teeth develop underneath. By age 6 or 7, kids start losing baby teeth as the permanent teeth push them out.
Adults have 32 permanent teeth, including:
- 8 incisors (front teeth)
- 4 canines (pointed teeth near incisors)
- 8 premolars (bicuspids between canines and molars)
- 12 molars (flat teeth in back)
The last molars to erupt are the wisdom teeth, which come in between ages 17-25. While the teeth are visible in the mouth, the tooth root below the gumline is still immature. Teeth roots continue to develop and grow thicker and longer for several years after the tooth erupts. This helps anchor the tooth firmly in the jawbone.
Teeth That Stop Growing
Most permanent teeth are not considered fully developed until a person reaches early adulthood in their late teens or early 20s. The roots of different permanent teeth finish growing at different ages:
- Incisors – Roots complete growth by age 8-9.
- Canines – Roots reach full size by age 13-15.
- Premolars – Roots finish growing by age 14-15.
- Molars – Roots completely form by age 17-21.
The molars, particularly wisdom teeth, take the longest time for roots to fully develop. While most permanent teeth stop significant vertical growth once the roots are complete, some minor thickening of roots can still continue into middle age, depending on oral health habits.
Why Teeth Stop Growing
A few key factors cause teeth to stop growing at a certain age:
- Genetics – Tooth development and root growth are programmed in our DNA. Teeth follow a predictable eruption timeline.
- Completion of root formation – Once tooth roots are fully formed, no more vertical growth is possible.
- End of jawbone growth – Since teeth are anchored in the jawbones, their growth is linked to skeletal development.
Between ages 16-20, the growth of the bones in the face and jaws finishes. So even though the roots of wisdom teeth may still be developing, the jawbones cannot accommodate much more tooth growth. This is why wisdom teeth often come in crooked or impacted.
Tooth Eruption Timeline
Here is an overview of when various teeth first erupt and when their roots are complete:
| Tooth Type | Age of Initial Eruption | Age of Root Completion |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | 6-10 months | 8-9 years |
| Lateral incisors | 7-16 months | 8-9 years |
| Canines | 16-23 months | 13-15 years |
| First premolars | 9-14 months | 14-15 years |
| Second premolars | 10-16 years | 14-15 years |
| First molars | 13-19 months | 17-21 years |
| Second molars | 20-31 months | 17-21 years |
| Third molars | 17-25 years | 17-21 years |
Impacts of Teeth Stopping Growth
When tooth roots finish developing, it affects the tooth and mouth in several ways:
- Tooth is firmly anchored – Long, tapered roots provide a sturdy foundation.
- Tooth is less prone to injury – The tooth is less likely to become loose or fall out due to trauma.
- Bone loss risk increases – Shorter roots have less surface area supporting the bone, making osteoporosis more detrimental.
- Tooth appearance changes little – Unlike bone, enamel does not remodel itself over time.
- Tooth decay and gum disease risks remain – Proper oral hygiene is still needed to prevent disease.
Even after the roots are fully developed, good habits like brushing, flossing, healthy eating, not smoking, and regular dental cleanings help preserve tooth and bone health for decades to come.
Caring for Teeth That Have Stopped Growing
Here are some tips for taking care of permanent teeth with completed root development:
- Get sealants – These protect pitted surfaces of molars from decay.
- Use fluoride – It strengthens enamel and prevents cavities.
- Wear mouthguard – Protect teeth from trauma if playing sports.
- Watch sugars – Limit sugary food and drinks that promote cavities.
- Don’t smoke – Avoid cigarettes to prevent gum disease and tooth loss.
- See dentist regularly – Get exams and cleanings to catch problems early.
While teeth may be done developing, adults still need to be vigilant about protecting tooth and gum health. Proper care can help teeth last a lifetime.
Losing Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth are meant to last for many decades. However, they may still be lost for several reasons:
- Tooth decay – Destroys tooth structure leading to infection and toothache.
- Periodontal disease – Damages gums and bone, causing loose teeth.
- Injury – Knocks out teeth or cracks them beyond repair.
- Tooth grinding – Wears down biting surfaces over time.
- Medications – Some drugs cause dry mouth allowing more decay.
Lost permanent teeth usually require replacement to prevent issues like:
- Shift of remaining teeth
- Difficulty chewing
- Jawbone deterioration
- Speech impairment
- TMJ disorders
Options to replace lost permanent teeth include dental implants, bridges, partials, and dentures. With proper care, dental restorations can restore function and aesthetics.
Key Points
- Incisors, canines, and premolars completely finish root development in the early teen years.
- Molars may continue to grow roots until early 20s, when jawbone growth stops.
- Even after root growth ceases, good oral care is still essential to maintain tooth and gum health.
- Lost permanent teeth usually need to be replaced to prevent issues with chewing, bite alignment, bone loss and speech.
Conclusion
Understanding which teeth stop growing and when can help guide oral health habits. While most permanent teeth finish vertical root development in the late teens, some may continue growing into the early 20s. Even after teeth are done growing, adults must continue proper brushing, flossing, healthy diet, and regular dental visits. This lifelong care helps preserve teeth and gums for many decades to come. With vigilant oral hygiene and checkups, permanent teeth can be protected and maintained for a lifetime.