Teeth stop actively growing after the permanent set of teeth has fully erupted. This typically occurs by about 21 years of age, according to the information we have.
Development of Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth, also called adult or secondary teeth, begin developing within the jawbone around birth and continue throughout childhood. This process culminates in a complete set of 32 permanent teeth, with 16 in the upper jaw and 16 in the lower jaw.
Stages of Teeth Development
The development and eruption of permanent teeth is a complex process. Here is a summary:
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Early Development | Begins in the jaw around birth. |
| Childhood Eruption | Continues into childhood, with teeth gradually replacing primary (baby) teeth. |
| Full Eruption | By about 21 years of age, a complete set of 32 permanent teeth has usually erupted. |
What Happens After Full Eruption?
- Once the permanent teeth have fully erupted, which is typically around the age of 21, they generally do not grow any further in length.
- While teeth may shift slightly over time due to various factors, there is no further growth in terms of size or number.
Why No Further Growth?
The process of tooth development is genetically programmed to ensure a complete and functional set of teeth by adulthood. Once that point is reached, the growth process stops.
Therefore, the age at which teeth stop growing is approximately 21 years old.
