Losing the first tooth is a monumental step for any child—and for parents! It’s a sure sign that your little one is growing up, reaching an exciting new milestone on their journey to adulthood. This exciting event often comes with a host of questions about timelines, pain, and when to start worrying.
Generally, children begin to lose their baby teeth around the age of six or seven, starting a process that typically lasts until they are about 12. This transition is a completely natural and healthy part of development. Understanding this process can ease any worries and help you navigate the journey from those tiny primary teeth to a strong, permanent adult smile.
Why Baby Teeth Must Go
A child’s first set of 20 primary teeth (commonly known as baby teeth) are smaller in both size and root structure. Their primary job is to help your child chew, speak clearly, and, most importantly, hold the necessary space in the jaw for the larger, stronger permanent teeth that will last a lifetime.
When the time is right, the permanent tooth begins to develop in the jawbone directly beneath the primary tooth. As it grows, it pushes up, causing the roots of the baby tooth to gradually dissolve and resorb. This dissolution is what makes the tooth loose and eventually allows it to fall out easily, making way for the new arrival. Luckily, this carefully choreographed process means minimal discomfort for your child.
The Timeline: A Tooth-by-Tooth Breakdown
The process of losing baby teeth generally mirrors the order in which they first arrived in your baby’s mouth. While every child is unique, here is the standard timeline you can expect:
| Tooth Type | Eruption Age (Approx.) | Loss Age (Approx.) |
| Central Incisors (Bottom Front) | 6–10 months | 6–7 years |
| Central Incisors (Top Front) | 8–12 months | 6–7 years |
| Lateral Incisors (Next to Front Teeth) | 9–16 months | 7–8 years |
| First Molars | 13–19 months | 9–11 years |
| Canine (Cuspid) Teeth | 16–23 months | 9–12 years |
| Second Molars | 24–33 months | 10–12 years |
The First to Go: Incisors (Ages 6–8)
The first teeth to become wiggly are almost always the bottom front two teeth, the central incisors, usually around age six or seven. These are quickly followed by the top central incisors. Shortly after, the teeth on either side, the lateral incisors, begin to fall out around ages seven to eight. A Baby Teeth Chart can help parents track this process, showing how the front eight baby teeth are lost first, setting the stage for the rest of the permanent teeth to erupt.
Chewing Powerhouses: Molars and Canines (Ages 9–12)
Starting around age nine, the transition moves to the back of the mouth. The first molars are typically lost between the ages of nine and eleven. The canines, often referred to as the ‘eye teeth,’ are usually lost around ages nine to twelve. Finally, the second molars, which are the last of the baby teeth to arrive, are the last to fall out, typically between ages ten and twelve. By the age of 12, most children will have lost all of their baby teeth, and the majority of their adult teeth will have erupted (excluding the wisdom teeth).
What to Expect and How to Help
Wiggling: Encourage your child to gently wiggle a loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger. The more they wiggle, the faster the root will finish dissolving, and the tooth will fall out naturally. Avoid pulling a tooth out before it’s truly ready, as this can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding.
Pain Relief: The good news is that most children experience minimal to no pain when a baby tooth falls out, certainly much less than when they first erupted as infants. If the gums are slightly sore, over-the-counter children’s pain relief medication, like paracetamol, can be used. A small piece of clean gauze can stop any minor bleeding.
When Should You Call a Dentist?
While the timeline above provides a clear framework, remember that it is just an average. If your child started getting their first tooth early, they may start losing them early, and if they were late, they may be late to lose them as well. Variation is completely normal, and there is usually nothing to worry about.
However, a few signs warrant a professional check-up:
- Very Late Loss: If your child is significantly older than average (e.g., eight or nine) and hasn’t lost a single tooth, or if a permanent tooth is coming through behind a baby tooth that won’t budge.
- Asymmetrical Loss: If your child loses a tooth on the left side of their mouth, but the corresponding tooth on the right side has not become loose within six months. This discrepancy could indicate an underlying issue.
- Family History: If there is a strong family history of late tooth loss, missing permanent teeth, or teeth growing in the wrong place, please let us know.
In these situations, your dentist may take an X-ray to confirm that the permanent teeth are present and are positioned correctly, ensuring everything is on track.
The Importance of an Early Orthodontic Assessment
Many parents believe they need to wait until their child has lost all their baby teeth before considering an orthodontist. However, waiting until age 12 can mean missing a crucial opportunity for early treatment.
The best time for an initial orthodontic consultation is between the ages of 8 and 10. An early assessment allows a specialist to identify potential issues, such as severe crowding or a developing bite problem, while the jaw is still growing. Early intervention, often called Phase One treatment, can help guide the eruption of permanent teeth and may significantly simplify or even eliminate the need for more complex treatment later on.
Ready to Smile?
The journey of losing baby teeth is a wonderful chapter in your child’s development. If you have any questions about your child’s timeline, oral health, or if you simply need to book their next check-up, the team at Parkmore Family Dental is here to help. Contact us today to ensure your child’s smile grows up healthy and strong!
