The 20 primary teeth, often called baby or milk teeth, serve a purpose beyond simply helping a child chew and speak. These teeth hold the space in the jaw for the adult teeth developing beneath the gums. Shedding primary teeth is a natural phase of childhood development, marking the transition to permanent adult dentition. The process unfolds over several years, beginning when the permanent teeth prepare for their eventual eruption.
The Typical Age Range for First Tooth Loss
The debut of a loose tooth usually occurs when a child is between five and seven years old, signaling the start of the shedding process. While some children may begin as early as age four or as late as age eight, the range of five to seven covers the typical experience for most.
The physiological trigger for this initial loss is the development of the permanent tooth directly underneath the primary tooth. As the permanent tooth grows, it exerts pressure on the root of the baby tooth above it. This pressure activates a biological process called root resorption, where specialized cells gradually dissolve the primary tooth’s root structure.
Once the root is dissolved, the primary tooth loses its anchor in the jawbone and becomes loose. The shedding process is generally slow and steady, continuing until a child reaches 12 or 13 years old. The loose feeling is a sign that the root has been resorbed and the permanent tooth is ready to take its place.
The Expected Sequence of Teeth Falling Out
The pattern of tooth loss in children is predictable, usually mirroring the order in which the primary teeth first appeared. The very first teeth to loosen and fall out are typically the lower central incisors, which are the two front teeth on the bottom arch. These are generally lost around the age of six to seven years.
Following the lower front teeth, the upper central incisors are usually the next to go, around age seven. The process continues symmetrically, meaning a tooth on the left side of the mouth is often lost around the same time as its counterpart on the right side. Next in the sequence are the lateral incisors, typically lost between ages seven and eight.
The shedding then moves toward the back of the mouth. The first molars and canines begin to be lost between ages nine and twelve. The last primary teeth to be shed are the second molars, generally falling out between the ages of ten and thirteen.
When to Consult a Dentist About Variations
While a range of five to seven years for the first lost tooth is normal, deviations can occasionally signal a need for professional evaluation.
A child experiencing “early loss,” meaning the loss of a primary tooth before age five, should be seen by a dentist. Early loss is often caused by significant tooth decay or a traumatic injury. A dental professional may need to use a space maintainer to prevent adjacent teeth from drifting and blocking the space needed for the permanent tooth.
Conversely, “delayed loss” is a concern if a child has not lost any primary teeth by age eight. This delay can be due to genetic factors, the permanent tooth developing in an incorrect position, or a lack of a permanent successor tooth. An X-ray can confirm the presence or absence of the developing permanent tooth and help determine the best course of action.
A common variation is the appearance of “shark teeth,” where the permanent tooth begins to erupt behind the primary tooth before the baby tooth has fallen out. This is most frequently observed with the lower front teeth. If the primary tooth is very loose, a dentist may advise encouraging the child to gently wiggle it to hasten its natural loss, allowing the permanent tooth to move into its proper place. However, if the permanent tooth has significantly erupted and the primary tooth is not mobile, extraction may be necessary to prevent misalignment.