When Do Kids Lose Baby Teeth? A Parent's Timeline
Introduction
The first wiggly tooth is a big moment for children and a common source of questions for parents. Is my child losing teeth too early, or too late? Which teeth come out first? What should I do when a tooth is loose? As a pediatric dentist in Christiansburg, we answer these questions every week. This guide gives you a simple timeline, explains what is normal, and shows you when it is worth calling the dentist.
The Short Answer
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age six and their last baby tooth around age twelve. The timing varies from child to child by up to a year in either direction, and that is usually perfectly normal. Baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth in roughly the same order that they first came in, starting with the lower front teeth.
A Quick Look at Baby Teeth First
Children have 20 baby teeth, also called primary teeth. The first usually appears around six months of age, and most children have the full set by about age three. If you are still in this stage with your little one, our baby teething guide explains the signs and what helps. Baby teeth do more than help children chew. They support clear speech, guide the jaws as they grow, and hold space for the permanent teeth waiting underneath.
When Baby Teeth Usually Fall Out
The ages below are typical ranges. A child who is a little earlier or later is usually just following their own schedule.
- Lower front teeth (central incisors): about 6 to 7 years
- Upper front teeth (central incisors): about 6 to 7 years
- Lateral incisors, next to the front teeth: about 7 to 8 years
- First molars, the first back teeth: about 9 to 11 years
- Canines, the pointed teeth: about 9 to 12 years
- Second molars, the last baby teeth: about 10 to 12 years
When Permanent Teeth Come In
Adults have 32 permanent teeth, including four wisdom teeth. Children get most of them between the ages of 6 and 13, and the pattern is easy to follow:
- Around age 6: the first permanent molars arrive behind the last baby teeth. Because nothing falls out to make room for them, many parents do not notice them. They are often called the six-year molars.
- Ages 6 to 8: the permanent front teeth replace the baby front teeth.
- Ages 9 to 12: the canines and the premolars replace the baby canines and baby molars.
- Ages 11 to 13: the second permanent molars come in at the very back.
- Ages 17 to 21: the wisdom teeth may appear, if they appear at all.
Why Every Child's Timeline Is Different
Genetics play a large role. If you or your partner lost teeth early or late, your child may do the same. Girls often lose teeth slightly earlier than boys. Premature birth, nutrition and some health conditions can also affect timing. It is tempting to compare your child with classmates, but a difference of several months is rarely a concern. What matters more is whether the teeth are coming in healthy and in a good position.
Shark Teeth: Two Rows at Once
Sometimes a permanent lower tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet, creating a double row. Parents call these shark teeth. This is common with the lower front teeth. In most cases, the baby tooth loosens and falls out within a few weeks to a couple of months as the tongue pushes against it. If the baby tooth is still firm after about two to three months, or the permanent tooth looks crowded, have your dentist take a look.
What to Do When a Tooth Is Loose
- Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth gently with clean fingers or their tongue. Most teeth come out on their own when they are ready.
- Do not pull a tooth that is still firmly attached. This can cause pain and bleeding and may leave part of the root behind.
- Keep brushing the area gently. Food and plaque around a loose tooth can cause sore gums.
- If the tooth comes out and the gum bleeds a little, have your child bite on a clean piece of gauze for a few minutes.
- Keep eating normally, and offer softer foods if the area is tender.
Protect the New Permanent Molars
The six-year molars deserve special attention. They are some of the most cavity-prone teeth because they have deep grooves and are hard to brush, and they will be in your child's mouth for life. A dental sealant is a thin protective coating placed on the chewing surface to help keep out food and bacteria. Our guide to dental sealants explains how they work and when children usually get them. Good brushing with a fluoride toothpaste twice a day and regular checkups complete the picture.
When to Call the Dentist
Most tooth changes are routine, but call your dentist if you notice any of the following:
- A baby tooth is still firm well after the permanent tooth has appeared behind it.
- A permanent tooth has not appeared within several months after the baby tooth fell out.
- Your child has lost a baby tooth much earlier than expected, for example before age four, without an injury.
- Teeth look very crowded, or a permanent tooth is coming in at an odd angle.
- Your child has pain, swelling or a bad taste around a loose or erupting tooth.
- No permanent teeth have started to come in by about age eight.
Concerns about how and when teeth come in are something Dr. Cristelle Rodriguez, DDS, our pediatric dentist with more than 35 years of experience, sees regularly. Early attention can help the dentist keep an eye on spacing and decide whether anything needs treatment.
If a Tooth Is Knocked Out
A tooth lost to injury is different from a tooth that falls out naturally. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back, because that can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. If a permanent tooth is knocked out, act quickly, because time matters. Our pediatric dental emergency guide explains the steps to take, and you should call your dentist right away.
Making Tooth Loss Fun
Losing teeth can feel exciting or a little scary. Talk about it as a normal sign of growing up. Let your child pick a special place to keep the tooth, celebrate with a tooth fairy tradition, and let them see their new smile in the mirror. Children who feel positive about tooth loss often feel more positive about taking care of their teeth.
Conclusion
Losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up, and the timeline is wider than most parents expect. Keep teeth clean, protect the new permanent molars, and see the dentist regularly so any concern is caught early. If you would like a dentist to check how your child's teeth are coming in, request an appointment or call our Christiansburg office at (540) 394-3300.
FAQ
At what age do kids start losing baby teeth?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age six, usually one of the lower front teeth. Some lose theirs a little earlier or later, and that is normally fine.
Is it okay if my child's permanent tooth comes in behind the baby tooth?
This is common, especially with the lower front teeth, and the baby tooth often falls out on its own within a few weeks to a couple of months. If it is still firm after two to three months, ask your dentist to check it.
Should I pull my child's loose tooth?
It is best to let a loose tooth come out on its own. Gentle wiggling is fine, but pulling a tooth that is still firmly attached can cause pain and bleeding.
What if my child has not lost any teeth by age seven or eight?
A few months of variation is normal, but if there are no signs of loose teeth or new permanent teeth by about age eight, it is worth a dental visit so the dentist can check how the teeth are developing.
Medically Reviewed By
Pediatric dentist with more than 35 years of clinical experience. Trained in pediatric dentistry at Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C., and fluent in English and Spanish.