When Do Kids Lose Baby Teeth? A Timeline for Parents
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Children typically begin losing baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth. The process continues until age 12–13 when all permanent teeth have erupted. Baby teeth usually fall out in the same order they came in. See a dentist if a baby tooth is lost before age 4, if a permanent tooth hasn’t appeared 6 months after the baby tooth fell out, or if there’s pain or infection.
The Baby Tooth Timeline
Children have 20 baby teeth (also called primary teeth) that begin erupting around 6 months of age. These teeth serve as placeholders for the 32 permanent teeth that will eventually replace them.
Here’s the typical timeline for losing baby teeth:
| Age | Teeth Lost |
|---|---|
| 6–7 years | Lower central incisors (bottom front) |
| 7–8 years | Upper central incisors (top front) |
| 7–8 years | Lower lateral incisors |
| 8–9 years | Upper lateral incisors |
| 9–11 years | Lower canines |
| 9–12 years | First molars (top and bottom) |
| 10–12 years | Upper canines |
| 10–12 years | Second molars (top and bottom) |
Key pattern: Baby teeth generally fall out in the same order they came in — front teeth first, back teeth last.
What to Expect
The Loose Tooth Phase
- A tooth may be loose for several weeks before it falls out
- Some children feel anxious about loose teeth — reassure them it’s normal
- Let it fall out naturally when possible
- Mild bleeding when a tooth falls out is normal — have your child bite on a damp gauze pad
The Gap Phase
- After a baby tooth falls out, the permanent tooth may take 1–6 months to appear
- The new tooth may look larger and more yellow than baby teeth — this is normal
- Permanent teeth have more dentin (the yellow layer under enamel), making them naturally less white than baby teeth
When to See the Dentist
Contact your pediatric dentist if:
- A baby tooth falls out before age 4 — this could indicate decay or injury
- A permanent tooth hasn’t appeared 6 months after the baby tooth was lost
- A permanent tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth (creating a “shark tooth” — this is common and usually resolves on its own)
- There’s pain, swelling, or signs of infection around a loose tooth
- A tooth is knocked out due to injury — this requires immediate attention
Caring for New Permanent Teeth
Once permanent teeth come in, they’re the only teeth your child will ever have. Help protect them by:
- Continuing twice-daily brushing with fluoride toothpaste
- Starting regular flossing between teeth that touch
- Getting dental sealants on new molars (around ages 6 and 12)
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports
- Scheduling regular dental cleanings every 6 months
