Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, though it’s perfectly normal for the process to start anywhere between ages 5 and 7. The full cycle of losing all 20 baby teeth stretches over about six years, with the last ones typically falling out around age 12.
Which Teeth Fall Out First
Baby teeth generally fall out in the same order they came in. The two bottom front teeth (the lower central incisors) are almost always the first to go, followed by the two top front teeth. After that, the pattern moves outward: the lateral incisors on either side of the front teeth, then the first molars, then the canines (the pointed teeth), and finally the second molars at the back.
This sequence can vary slightly from child to child, but the front-to-back pattern holds true for the vast majority of kids. If your child loses a tooth slightly out of order, that’s rarely a concern on its own.
A Rough Timeline by Age
While exact timing depends on the individual child, here’s what to expect at each stage:
- Ages 6 to 7: The bottom and top front teeth loosen and fall out. This is the classic gap-toothed smile stage.
- Ages 7 to 8: The lateral incisors (next to the front teeth) come out.
- Ages 9 to 11: The first molars and canines shed.
- Ages 10 to 12: The second molars, the last baby teeth in the back of the mouth, finally fall out.
Girls tend to lose their baby teeth on a very similar schedule to boys. Research comparing the timing between genders has found no significant difference for most teeth.
Why Some Children Lose Teeth Earlier or Later
A child who doesn’t lose a baby tooth until age 7 is still well within the normal range. Kids who got their first baby teeth early as infants often lose them earlier, too, since the whole dental timeline tends to shift together. Genetics plays a big role here. If you were a late bloomer with your teeth, your child may be as well.
Some children lose baby teeth before age 5. When this happens, it’s usually not because the permanent tooth is ready. The two most common causes of early loss are tooth decay and accidents. A baby tooth knocked out or pulled due to a cavity can leave a gap for months or even years before the adult tooth is ready to fill it. In these cases, a dentist may recommend a space maintainer, a small device that holds the gap open so surrounding teeth don’t drift into it and block the permanent tooth from coming in straight.
On the other end, some children still have baby teeth well into their teens. Delayed loss can happen when the permanent tooth beneath is slow to develop, is missing entirely, or is growing in at an angle that doesn’t push the baby tooth root out. If your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 8, it’s worth having a dentist take an X-ray to check that the permanent teeth are forming normally underneath.
What Happens When a Tooth Gets Loose
A baby tooth loosens because the permanent tooth growing beneath it gradually dissolves the baby tooth’s root. By the time the tooth is truly wiggly, the root is mostly gone, which is why baby teeth that fall out naturally are so small and hollow-looking at the base. The process from “first wobble” to falling out typically takes a few weeks to a couple of months.
Letting a loose tooth fall out on its own is the best approach. Kids will naturally wiggle it with their tongue, and that’s fine. Forcing a tooth out before it’s ready can cause unnecessary pain, bleeding, and even damage to the gum tissue. If your child’s tooth has been loose for several months without falling out, or if a permanent tooth is visibly coming in behind the baby tooth (sometimes called “shark teeth”), a dentist can evaluate whether the baby tooth needs a little help.
When Permanent Teeth Come In Behind Baby Teeth
It’s surprisingly common for a permanent tooth to start erupting before the baby tooth has fallen out, creating a second row. This happens most often with the lower front teeth. In most cases, once the baby tooth falls out (or is removed), the tongue naturally pushes the permanent tooth forward into its correct position over a few weeks. It looks alarming but resolves on its own more often than not.
Caring for Teeth During the Transition
The years between ages 6 and 12 are a mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth sharing the same mouth, which makes oral care especially important. New permanent teeth have thinner enamel than they will later in life, making them more vulnerable to cavities in their first few years. Keeping up with brushing and flossing matters even when teeth are loose or gaps are present.
If a baby tooth is knocked out in an accident, it should not be put back in. Unlike a knocked-out permanent tooth, replanting a baby tooth risks damaging the developing permanent tooth underneath and creates a choking hazard for a young child. Save the replanting effort for permanent teeth only.