Baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, are the initial set of teeth that emerge during childhood. Their loss is a natural part of development. These temporary teeth hold space for the permanent adult teeth that will follow. Their shedding signals a transition, paving the way for a lifelong set of teeth.
The Typical Timeline
Children typically begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, though this can vary, with some starting as early as 5 or as late as 7. The shedding process usually mirrors the order in which the teeth first appeared. The lower central incisors, the bottom front teeth, are commonly the first to loosen and fall out, generally between 6 and 7 years of age. The upper central incisors often follow shortly after, usually around the same age.
Lateral incisors, located next to the central incisors, are typically lost between 7 and 8 years old. As children approach ages 9 to 11, the first molars and lower canines begin to shed. The final baby teeth to be replaced are generally the upper canines and the second molars, which typically fall out between 10 and 13 years of age. By around age 12 or 13, most children have lost all their primary teeth and gained a full set of permanent adult teeth.
Factors Influencing Tooth Loss
The timing of baby tooth loss can vary due to several factors. Genetics can play a role, as children may follow a pattern similar to their parents regarding early or late tooth shedding. A child’s overall health and nutritional status also influence dental development and primary tooth loss.
The presence and position of developing permanent teeth most directly influence baby tooth loss. A permanent tooth normally pushes against the baby tooth’s root, causing it to dissolve and loosen. If a permanent tooth is slow to develop, misaligned, or lacks adequate pressure, it can delay the baby tooth’s shedding. Dental issues like significant decay or trauma can also cause a baby tooth to be lost much earlier than expected.
When to Consult a Dentist
Parents should consult a dentist if concerns arise about their child’s tooth loss. One common situation is when a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth, sometimes called “shark teeth.” While this often resolves naturally as the baby tooth loosens, a dentist can assess if intervention is needed to prevent crowding or misalignment, especially if the baby tooth isn’t loosening after a few weeks.
Significant pain, swelling, or signs of infection around a loose or incoming tooth also warrant a dental visit. If a baby tooth is lost much earlier than anticipated due to injury, a dentist should be consulted to ensure the underlying permanent tooth is undamaged and to determine if a space maintainer is needed to prevent surrounding teeth from shifting. If a child reaches an age where all baby teeth should be gone, typically by 12 or 13, but some remain without permanent teeth emerging, a dental evaluation can help determine the cause.