When Do Children Start Losing Baby Teeth?
Overview
Many parents wonder when their child will start losing baby teeth and what to expect when the time comes. Most children start losing their first baby teeth around age 6, but it can happen as early as age 4 or as late as age 7 or 8 for some kids. Every child’s timeline is a little different, so it helps parents to know what is normal and when to check in with a dentist.
Children lose baby teeth as a natural part of growing up. The process usually starts with the bottom front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. As permanent teeth grow, they gently push out the baby teeth, making room for a new smile.
What Are Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth or milk teeth, are the first set of teeth that children develop. These small teeth help kids chew food, speak clearly, and keep space for their future adult teeth.
Usually, a baby’s first tooth appears around 6 months of age. This process is called teething. Teething can sometimes cause discomfort. Gums may look red or swollen, and babies may drool or want to chew on things for relief. There are 20 primary teeth in total. They include:
| Type of Tooth | Number in Mouth | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Incisors | 8 | Front |
| Canines | 4 | Pointed, corners |
| Molars | 8 | Back |
Tooth development follows a certain order. Incisors usually come in first, then canines, and finally molars. Each tooth has a job. Incisors help bite food, canines tear food, and molars grind it up.
Parents should help children care for milk teeth by brushing twice a day and visiting a dentist regularly. Healthy baby teeth help guide the permanent teeth into the correct position later on.
When Do Children Lose Baby Teeth?
Most children lose their baby teeth during early elementary school years. The timing, order, and age can vary, but certain patterns are common.
Typical Age Range
Children usually start losing their baby teeth around age 6. For some, the process can begin as early as 4 or as late as 7. The timing often depends on when their teeth first come in. By age 13, most children have lost all 20 baby teeth. This stage usually lasts several years.
Most children finish this change by the early teen years, leaving room for a full set of adult teeth. If a child starts losing teeth much earlier than 4 or hasn’t lost any by age 7 or 8, parents should talk with a dentist. A health issue or a dental problem might be the cause.
First Loose Tooth
The first baby tooth to become loose is most often the lower central incisor, which is one of the two front bottom teeth. The next tooth to follow is usually the upper central incisor. These are the teeth in the very front of the mouth and tend to come in first in infancy as well.
Some children notice their first loose tooth without warning, while others might feel slight wiggling for weeks before it falls out. Once the first tooth is lost, others usually follow in a pattern over the next few years. Children often get excited about losing their first tooth. Families may celebrate this milestone with traditions such as a visit from the tooth fairy.
Order of Tooth Loss
Baby teeth usually fall out in about the same order they appeared. Below is a typical sequence:
| Order | Tooth Type | Average Age Lost |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lower central incisors | 6-7 years |
| 2 | Upper central incisors | 6-8 years |
| 3 | Lateral incisors | 7-8 years |
| 4 | First molars | 9-11 years |
| 5 | Canine teeth | 9-12 years |
| 6 | Second molars | 10-12 years |
The lower and upper central incisors come out first, followed by the lateral incisors, then first molars, canine teeth, and finally second molars. It’s normal for baby teeth on both sides of the mouth to come out around the same time.
Variation in Timeline
The age at which children lose their baby teeth can differ because of genetics and how early or late their baby teeth appeared. Some may lose teeth a year before or after their peers. Delays are often normal, but if tooth loss starts before age 4 or doesn’t begin by age 8, a dental checkup may help.
If the roots of baby teeth aren’t breaking down properly, the adult teeth may not push them out as expected. Health conditions, injuries, or treatments can also affect the schedule. Losing teeth happens gradually. Teeth often loosen for several weeks before they fall out. This change can last from six to eight years, depending on the child.
Types of Baby Teeth Lost
Children lose their baby teeth in a certain order. These teeth are called primary teeth. They make room for permanent teeth to grow in. The first teeth to fall out are usually the central incisors. These are the front teeth in the upper and lower jaws. Most children lose these teeth between ages 6 and 7.
Next to go are the lateral incisors, located right next to the central incisors. The lateral incisors usually fall out between ages 7 and 8. After the incisors, children lose their first molars. Lower and upper first molars often become loose around ages 9 to 11.
Canines (also called cuspids) are the pointy teeth on each side of the lateral incisors. Children usually lose their canines between ages 9 and 12. The last baby teeth to go are the second molars. Lower and upper second molars tend to fall out between ages 10 and 12. Here is a simple table showing the types of baby teeth and when they might be lost:
| Tooth Type | Usual Age Lost (Years) |
|---|---|
| Central Incisors | 6–7 |
| Lateral Incisors | 7–8 |
| First Molars | 9–11 |
| Canines | 9–12 |
| Second Molars | 10–12 |
From Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth
Children are born with a set of 20 baby teeth. These teeth help with chewing and speaking. They also hold space in the jaw for the adult teeth that come in later. Around age 6, most children begin to lose their baby teeth, usually starting with the front bottom teeth. The process can begin as early as age 5 or as late as age 7, depending on the child.
As baby teeth fall out, adult teeth start to come in. These new teeth appear in stages over several years. The first teeth to come in after baby teeth are usually the first permanent molars and the lower central incisors.
| Tooth Type | Age Usually Appears |
|---|---|
| First Permanent Molars | 6-7 years |
| Central Incisors | 6-8 years |
| Lateral Incisors | 7-8 years |
| First Premolars | 10-12 years |
| Second Premolars | 10-12 years |
| Wisdom Teeth | 17-21 years |
Premolars replace the baby molars and help with chewing food. Wisdom teeth, also called third molars, are the last adult teeth to come in, often during the late teen years. Permanent teeth need good care because they are meant to last a lifetime. Regular brushing and dentist visits help keep teeth healthy.
Common Issues with Losing Baby Teeth
Some children lose their baby teeth earlier or later than expected. Early loss can happen from falls, tooth decay, or if a tooth gets knocked out. Losing teeth too soon might cause problems with how adult teeth grow in.
Delayed loss is also common. Some kids do not start losing teeth until age 7, 8, or even 9. This delay can be normal but may also be linked to missing adult teeth or slow root breakdown. Toothache and swelling are frequent complaints when baby teeth get loose.
Gums may look red or swollen. These symptoms usually go away after the tooth falls out. If pain lasts or gets worse, a dentist should check for infection. Cavities or gum infections can affect how and when baby teeth fall out. Good brushing and regular checkups with a dentist help lower this risk.
Common Signs of Issues
| Symptom | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Early tooth loss | Visit a dentist |
| No tooth loss by age 8 | Consult a dentist to check |
| Swelling or pain | Ask about infection |
| Loose tooth doesn’t fall out | Seek professional advice |
Tips for Parents Supporting Their Children
Parents can help children feel comfortable when they notice a loose tooth by staying calm and positive. Explain that losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up. Encourage daily brushing and flossing to support dental health. Even though baby teeth will fall out, keeping them clean helps avoid pain or infection. Regular brushing builds good habits for the future.
If a child feels nervous, gentle reassurance can help. Reading books or telling stories about losing teeth helps children know what to expect. Some parents celebrate a lost tooth with the tooth fairy tradition. Leaving a note or small reward under the pillow can turn the experience into a fun memory. Here are a few practical tips for parents:
| Tip | Why It Helps |
|---|---|
| Stay Positive | Reduces fear and worry |
| Remind to Wiggle Gently | Prevents pain or gum damage |
| Keep Up with Oral Health Care | Supports clean and healthy gums |
| Visit a Pediatric Dentist if Needed | Ensures no problems with teeth |
If a child’s loose tooth causes pain, or if teeth do not fall out by age 8, visit a pediatric dentist. Dentists can check that teeth are developing well and answer any concerns.
