A ten-year-old is expected to be losing teeth, as this age falls directly within the mixed dentition phase of dental development. This period, where both primary (baby) and permanent teeth are present, begins around age six and typically continues until about age twelve or thirteen. The transition from twenty primary teeth to thirty-two permanent teeth is a gradual process spanning late childhood and early adolescence. Shedding primary teeth makes room for the larger, adult teeth forming underneath the gums.
The Normal Timeline of Tooth Shedding
The shedding of primary teeth begins when the permanent teeth forming below apply pressure, triggering root resorption. Specialized cells called odontoclasts dissolve the primary tooth’s root structure, causing the tooth to loosen. This mechanism allows the primary tooth to fall out easily. The typical sequence of loss mirrors the order in which the teeth originally erupted.
The first teeth shed are usually the lower and then the upper central incisors, generally between ages six and eight. This is followed by the lateral incisors. This initial phase replaces the smaller front teeth. Later phases involve shedding the back teeth, clearing the way for the emergence of permanent canines and premolars.
Which Teeth Are Shedding at Age Ten?
At age ten, a child is in the later stage of mixed dentition, typically losing teeth toward the back of the mouth. The teeth most commonly shed around this age are the primary canines. Primary first molars are also lost between nine and eleven years, marking a significant change in chewing surfaces.
The primary molars are replaced by permanent premolars (bicuspids). Additionally, the second primary molars are often shed between ages ten and twelve. The loss of these final primary teeth completes the transition to a full permanent dentition.
Concerns Regarding Delayed or Accelerated Loss
While the general timeline is predictable, the exact timing of tooth loss can vary widely based on genetics, gender, and overall health. Delayed loss becomes a concern if a child has not lost any primary teeth by age eight or if a permanent tooth is erupting but the primary tooth has not fallen out, a phenomenon sometimes called “shark teeth.” The retained baby tooth can block the permanent tooth, forcing it to erupt out of alignment.
Accelerated or premature loss, such as a tooth falling out years early due to trauma or extensive decay, can also cause problems. When a primary tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth may drift into the empty space, leading to a loss of arch length. This can create crowding and misalignment issues for the permanent tooth that is supposed to erupt later. A dental professional should be consulted if there is a gap of more than a year between the loss of the same tooth on opposite sides of the mouth.
Care and Maintenance for New Permanent Teeth
Newly erupted permanent teeth require specific care because their enamel is not yet fully hardened. The chewing surfaces of molars contain deep grooves (fissures) that easily trap food and bacteria, making them susceptible to decay.
Recommended Care
- Dental sealants, which are thin plastic coatings, are recommended for the chewing surfaces of new permanent molars to create a barrier against cavities.
- Consistent use of fluoride, a mineral that helps strengthen tooth enamel, is important.
- Parents should ensure their ten-year-old brushes twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and flosses once a day to protect the new teeth.
- An early orthodontic assessment can be beneficial during the mixed dentition phase to identify potential crowding or bite issues.