When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? A Parent’s Guide

Every child goes through the exciting (and sometimes nerve-wracking) milestone of losing their baby teeth. Understanding the timeline and stages of baby teeth development not only prepares you for what to expect but also helps ensure your child’s permanent teeth come in strong and healthy. In this guide, we’ll explore when and how baby teeth fall out, signs to watch for, what to do (and not do), and how to make the process a positive experience for your child.

Timeline of Baby Tooth Loss

Most children begin to lose their baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 12. This process follows a predictable pattern, though the timing can vary from child to child. Here’s a general timeline of baby tooth loss based on baby teeth development:

• Lower central incisors: Age 6–7
  
  
• Upper central incisors: Age 6–7
  
  
• Lateral incisors: Age 7–8
  
  
• First molars: Age 9–11
  
  
• Canines and second molars: Age 10–12
  
  

Tooth loss usually occurs in the same order the teeth originally came in. For example, the front teeth tend to fall out first, followed by teeth toward the back of the mouth. It’s completely normal if your child loses a tooth a bit earlier or later than their peers—what matters most is that their teeth follow a generally consistent progression.

Signs a Baby Tooth Is Ready to Fall Out

It can be hard to tell when a baby tooth is truly ready to come out. Here are some common signs to look for:

• Wiggly or loose tooth: This is the most obvious sign. The tooth may become looser over time as the permanent tooth beneath it pushes upward.
  
  
• Tooth shifting position: A tooth that’s suddenly crooked or moving around may be preparing to fall out.
  
  
• Permanent tooth visible: Sometimes the new tooth starts to emerge behind or under the baby tooth.
  
  
• Mild discomfort: Some kids may feel a slight ache or sensitivity in the area of the loose tooth.
  
  

These signs are all normal parts of baby teeth development. However, it’s important to monitor for any signs of distress or complications.

What Parents Should (and Shouldn’t) Do

When your child has a loose tooth, it’s natural to want to help—but gentle patience is key. Here’s what you can do as a parent to support a smooth and safe tooth-loss process:

What to Do:

• Encourage gentle wiggling: Teach your child to gently wiggle the tooth with a clean finger or their tongue. This helps the tooth come out on its own when it’s ready.
  
  
• Maintain good hygiene: Continue brushing and flossing around loose teeth to prevent plaque buildup and gum irritation.
  
  
• Celebrate milestones: Make it a fun occasion by celebrating the tooth fairy’s visit or marking the milestone in a special way.
  
  

What Not to Do:

• Avoid pulling the tooth too early: Never force a tooth out, even if it seems very loose. Premature removal can cause bleeding or pain.
  
  
• Don’t ignore discomfort: If your child complains of pain beyond typical sensitivity, contact your pediatric dentist to rule out problems like infection or trauma.
  
  

By being supportive and patient, you can help ensure this phase of baby teeth development is smooth and stress-free.

When to See a Dentist

While baby tooth loss is usually straightforward, there are a few situations where you should seek professional guidance:

• Permanent tooth is coming in but the baby tooth hasn’t fallen out. This can lead to misalignment if not addressed early.
  
  
• Signs of infection or gum swelling. Persistent pain, redness, or pus around the tooth may indicate an issue.
  
  
• Tooth loss from injury. Trauma to the mouth can cause a baby tooth to fall out before it's ready.
  
  
• Tooth loss is delayed. If your child hasn’t lost any baby teeth by age 7 or still has several baby teeth at age 13, consult a dentist for an evaluation.
  
  

Pediatric dentists are trained to monitor baby teeth development and can identify any concerns with spacing, eruption, or oral health.

The Role of Baby Teeth in Permanent Tooth Development

Even though baby teeth are temporary, they serve a critical purpose. If baby teeth fall out too early—due to decay or injury—it can disrupt the spacing needed for adult teeth to emerge properly. That’s why it’s important to care for baby teeth with the same attention you’d give to permanent ones. 

Understanding when and how baby teeth fall out gives you the tools you need as a parent to support your child’s oral health with confidence. Most children lose their baby teeth gradually between ages 6 and 12. 

At Baker Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to guide you and your child through every phase of baby teeth development. Contact us today to schedule your child’s next dental checkup and keep their oral health on track.

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