The first set of teeth a person develops are known as primary teeth, or more commonly, baby teeth. These 20 temporary teeth play an important role in a child’s development, acting as placeholders that help guide the permanent teeth into their correct positions as the jaw grows. The natural process by which these primary teeth loosen and shed to make room for the adult set is known as exfoliation. This transition marks a significant step in oral development.
The General Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Children typically begin the process of losing their first teeth between the ages of five and seven, with the average being around six years old. The start of tooth loss is highly individualized; it is not a concern if a child begins shedding teeth as early as age four or as late as age eight. The timing often follows the same pattern as when the baby teeth initially emerged.
This shedding is initiated by the permanent tooth developing directly beneath the baby tooth. As the adult tooth grows and begins its movement toward the surface, it triggers a physiological process called root resorption. This process involves specialized cells dissolving the root structure of the primary tooth and surrounding tissue. The pressure from the permanent successor gradually eliminates the root, causing the baby tooth to become loose and fall out.
Identifying the First Teeth to Fall Out
The initial teeth to fall out are almost always the mandibular central incisors. This sequence typically mirrors the order in which the primary teeth first erupted. The loss of the bottom central incisors is quickly followed by the shedding of the maxillary central incisors, which are the two corresponding front teeth on the top jaw. These four central incisors are usually lost between the ages of six and seven. Although the order can vary slightly from child to child, the lower front teeth commonly precede the upper ones.
The Full Order of Exfoliation
Following the loss of the four central incisors, the process continues sequentially throughout the mouth, moving from the front to the back. The full order of exfoliation typically includes:
- Lateral incisors, which sit next to the front teeth, typically falling out between seven and eight years of age.
- The first molars, lost around ages nine to eleven, and the lower canines, shed between ages nine and twelve.
- The upper canines and the second molars, which are the farthest back teeth, usually lost between ages ten and twelve.
This last phase completes the transition to the permanent set.
A loose tooth can take days or weeks to come out completely. Gentle wiggling is a natural part of the process, and it is best to let the tooth fall out naturally, as forcing it can cause unnecessary pain or bleeding. Parents should consult a dentist if a permanent tooth is erupting and the baby tooth has not yet fallen out, or if there is a significant delay in the tooth loss timeline beyond age eight, to ensure proper alignment and space for the permanent teeth.