Watching your child grow is full of memorable firsts: first steps, first words, and their first visit from the tooth fairy. One question many parents have is: When do kids start losing baby teeth? This memorable milestone marks the beginning of your child’s journey toward a grown-up smile. While it’s natural, knowing what to expect can help you support your little ones as they transition from baby to permanent teeth.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the entire process of losing baby teeth, when it happens, why it matters, and how you can help your child keep their new adult teeth healthy and strong.
So, When Do Kids Start Losing Baby Teeth?
Most children start losing their baby teeth around 5 to 7 years old, although it can happen as early as 4 or as late as 8. Just like the way they got their first teeth, the timing of tooth loss varies from child to child.
The central incisors, or the front teeth, are usually the first to go. These are often the same teeth that erupted first when your child was a baby. From there, the process moves outward and toward the back of the mouth.
Here’s a general timeline of how baby teeth fall out:
6–7 years: Central incisors (front teeth)
7–8 years: Lateral incisors (next to the front teeth)
9–11 years: First molars and canines
10–12 years: Second molars (last baby teeth)
By age 12 or 13, most children will have lost all their primary teeth and should have most of their permanent teeth, excluding the third molars or wisdom teeth, which usually come in later, between 17 and 25 years old, if at all.
Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Baby teeth (milk or primary teeth) are placeholders for the permanent teeth that develop underneath. When a permanent tooth is ready to emerge, it pushes the baby tooth out of the way, causing the root of the baby tooth to dissolve. Eventually, the baby tooth becomes loose and falls out to make space for the new adult teeth.
This is all part of a healthy and natural process. While it can look alarming when a baby’s tooth falls out, it’s a sign your child is growing just as they should.
What If My Child Loses Teeth Earlier or Later Than Expected?
If your child loses their first baby tooth before age 4 or still has all their baby teeth at 8, it’s a good idea to check in with your child’s dentist. There could be variations in development or, in some cases, underlying issues like tooth decay, crowding, or delayed eruption of permanent teeth.
Remember that girls tend to lose their baby teeth slightly earlier than boys, and in many cases, genetics play a major role in determining the timing.
What Does It Feel Like to Lose a Tooth?
Your child might first notice a loose tooth while brushing or eating. At first, the tooth may wiggle just a little, then more over time. Encourage them not to pull on it too hard. Letting it fall out naturally reduces the risk of pain or damage to the gum.
When the tooth finally comes out, there will be some bleeding, but it usually stops quickly. A warm rinse with salt water can help ease any discomfort.
Enter the Tooth Fairy!
The first time your child loses a tooth is not just a dental milestone; it’s also a magical one. Many families celebrate the moment with a visit from the tooth fairy, leaving a small token or coin under the pillow. It’s a fun way to turn a wobbly situation into a cherished memory.
How to Take Care of Your Child’s Teeth During This Time
As children start losing their baby teeth and new adult teeth come in, keeping up with good dental habits is crucial. Permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime, so early habits matter.
Here are some essential tips to care for your child’s teeth:
1. Brush Twice a Day
Make sure your child brushes twice a day with a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Encourage them to use a soft toothbrush and brush all surfaces of their teeth, including where the new teeth are emerging.
2. Floss Daily
Even before all the adult teeth come in, flossing helps clean between teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach, preventing dental decay and gum disease.
3. Visit the Dentist Regularly
Schedule regular dental visits every six months. Your child’s dentist can monitor how their teeth are developing, spot early signs of tooth decay, and offer guidance as their smile changes.
4. Eat Tooth-Friendly Foods
A balanced diet full of calcium-rich foods, crunchy fruits and vegetables, and limited sugary snacks will support good oral hygiene and overall dental health.
What Are the First Permanent Teeth?
While most baby teeth fall out in the front, the first permanent teeth to erupt are actually the first molars, which usually appear around 6 years old, behind the last baby molars. These molars don’t replace any baby teeth, so they may go unnoticed unless you’re looking carefully.
Other permanent teeth begin replacing primary teeth shortly after, with second molars coming in around 12 years old. The third molars (or wisdom teeth) may arrive later in the teenage years or early twenties.
What If a Permanent Tooth Comes in Before the Baby Tooth Falls Out?
Sometimes, a permanent tooth starts to emerge before the baby tooth falls out, especially in the front bottom teeth. This can make it look like your child has two rows of teeth, often called “shark teeth.” Don’t worry too much; this usually resolves on its own as the baby tooth becomes looser and eventually falls out. If it doesn’t, your child’s dentist may need to remove the baby’s tooth.
How Many Teeth Will My Child Have?
Your child starts with 20 primary teeth, and these are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth, which include:
8 incisors (4 central and 4 lateral)
4 canines
8 premolars (not present in baby teeth)
12 molars, including first molars, second molars, and third molars (wisdom teeth)
Signs of Dental Problems While Losing Teeth
While losing baby teeth is natural, here are some signs to watch out for:
Severe pain or swelling around a loose tooth
A tooth does not fall out long after the permanent one has emerged
Tooth loss due to dental decay instead of natural progression
Loose teeth from injury rather than age
If you notice any of these, make sure to consult your child’s dentist promptly.
Helping Your Child Feel Confident Through the Process
As children start losing teeth, some may feel excited, while others might feel anxious about the changes in their smile. Reassure them that this is a normal part of growing up. Celebrate each lost tooth and remind them that these changes are a sign they’re becoming a big kid.
You can even make a chart or a fun calendar to track which baby tooth fell out and when; this helps build excitement and encourages good oral hygiene along the way.
Final Thoughts: Every Smile Grows in Its Own Time
Most children will lose their first baby teeth around 6 years old, starting with their central incisors, followed by the next baby teeth in a steady pattern over the next few years. This process makes room for a set of strong, permanent teeth that will stay with them for life.
As a parent, your role is to guide, support, and cheer them on during this natural process. Encourage them to brush their teeth twice a day, eat nutritious food, and visit the dentist regularly. Before you know it, your child’s once-gappy grin will be replaced by a confident smile full of new teeth.
Need expert guidance for your child’s dental care? Contact Available Dental Care today at (02) 4601 3828 to book an appointment and support your child’s smile every step of the way.
References
Colgate. (n.d.). What is good oral hygiene? Colgate Oral Care. https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/adult-oral-care/what-is-good-oral-hygiene
Bupa. (n.d.). Top tooth fairy tips. Bupa Dental Care UK. https://www.bupa.co.uk/dental/dental-care/services/parents-and-children/blog/top-tooth-fairy-tips
Healthline. (n.d.). Deciduous teeth: What to know. https://www.healthline.com/health/deciduous-teeth
