TL;DR
- The loss of a tooth for a child is a milestone and indicates healthy growth and development.
- Kids usually lose their baby teeth around 6 years of age, and they can fall out up to the age of 12.
- Lower central incisors are the first to fall out, and second molars are the last.
- Girls tend to lose their teeth earlier compared to boys because of differences in their physical development.
- As a parent, you can help your child during this phase by encouraging them to wiggle the loose tooth, giving them soft foods, and maintaining good oral hygiene.
- Mild pain, early or late tooth loss, a permanent tooth coming in early, and the presence of an extra tooth are nothing to worry about; the dentist will conveniently guide you through these concerns.
Kids and Tooth Loss: Understanding the Timeline
Losing teeth is considered to be one of the major milestones in a child’s life. This indicates that your child is growing up. Children typically have 20 primary teeth, which fall out in time to allow permanent teeth to come in. But on average, when do kids lose teeth? Usually, children start losing their baby teeth around age 6, and most baby teeth fall out by age 12. It’s also completely normal if this happens a little earlier or later.
As a parent, it is normal to have lots of questions about this process. Which teeth fall out first? How long does it take? And what’s the best way to care for their teeth during this time? Don’t worry! Our expert kids dentist has got you covered. In this article, we’ll outline the timeline and a few helpful tips and address common concerns so that this transition can be smooth and, above all, fun for both you and your child.
Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Baby teeth fall out in sets to make way for permanent teeth. The roots dissolve first, then the tooth wiggles loose. The usual sequence is:
| Tooth Type | Typical Age Range |
| Lower central incisors (first to be lost) | 6-7 years |
| Upper central incisors | 6-7 years |
| Upper/lower lateral incisors | 7-8 years |
| Upper/lower first molars | 9-11 years |
| Upper/lower canines | 9-12 years |
| Upper/lower second molars (last) | 10-12 years |
Normal Variations in Tooth Loss
Parents often wonder: when do kids lose teeth, and the truth is that the timing can vary widely.
Girls tend to lose their baby teeth a bit earlier than boys. Girls usually start when they are about 5 or 6 years old, starting with the bottom front teeth, due to the difference in their physical development. This early beginning automatically puts them ahead in permanent teeth development, too.
Conversely, boys tend to shed their baby teeth a little later, between 6 and 7 years old. Actually, this does not mean they are lagging; they could very well be developing on their own timeline.
Signs Your Child Is Ready to Lose Their Baby Tooth
If you are wondering, “when do kids lose their first tooth?”, here are the common signs that a tooth is ready to fall out:
- A tooth feels loose or wiggly, especially when your child chews or touches it.
- Your child reports slight discomfort, which is normal as the baby tooth detaches naturally.
- A permanent tooth becomes visible under or behind the baby tooth.
- The gum around the tooth looks mildly swollen, which usually settles on its own.
- Your child keeps touching or wiggling the tooth because it feels different.
Tips for Parents During the Tooth-Loss Phase
Now that you know the answer to “when do baby teeth fall out?”, here are some expert tips by Dental on First for parents during the tooth-loss phase:
- Encourage Gentle Wiggling: Encourage your child to gently wiggle (to move something quickly side to side or up and down) and loosen teeth with clean fingers or their tongue.
- Avoid Hard Tugging: This means avoiding pulling on loose teeth, as it can cause pain and damage the surrounding gum and bone.
- Excellent Oral Hygiene: Make sure your child brushes and flosses regularly to prevent cavities in their remaining teeth.
- Opt for a Tooth-Friendly Diet: Opt for soft foods such as yogurt, mashed potatoes, and scrambled eggs if there is a loose tooth. Avoid any sticky foods like caramel or gummy bears that may crowd in the gap between them and create cavities.
- Celebrate Milestones Positively: Create a special tradition, such as the “tooth fairy,” to make losing teeth a fun experience.
- Monitor Surrounding Teeth: Watch out for the teeth around the loose tooth to make sure they are healthy and aren’t being pushed out of alignment.
- Cold Compress Application: If the gum becomes sore following tooth loss, then a cold compress could help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Schedule Regular Dental Checkups: Regular visits to the dentist will help monitor your child’s oral health and address any concerns you may have.
Factor Influencing Tooth-Loss Timing
Several factors affect when kids lose teeth, and the timing can differ for each child:
- Genetics: If you lost teeth early or late, your kid probably will too. This might be because genetic factors influence the development and shedding of teeth.
- Nutrition: Adequate calcium and vitamin D help in tooth development and shedding. A healthy diet rich in essential nutrients supports strong teeth.
- Oral Health: Good hygiene habits can help prevent premature tooth loss due to decay or infection. Healthy teeth are maintained through regular brushing and flossing.
- Trauma: Sometimes, teeth are knocked out prematurely in accidents. Using mouthguards while playing sports may protect teeth.
- Developmental Factors: Some children develop their teeth faster or slower than others. This is normal, but if you are worried or have questions, consult your dentist.
Common Concerns and When to See a Dentist
As children grow, parents often have questions about their dental development. Here are some concerns and what you can do:
Teeth Falling Out Too Early or Too Late
- If teeth fall out too early, the surrounding teeth may shift, affecting the alignment of permanent teeth.
- If they fall out too late, it may affect jaw growth.
Permanent Teeth Coming in Before Baby Teeth Fall
- Overcrowding could result, or teeth could also be malpositioned.
- Your dentist may advise the extraction of the baby tooth to accommodate the permanent tooth.
Extra or Missing Teeth
- Some children are born with extra (supernumerary) or missing teeth, which can affect overall alignment.
- Your dentist can evaluate the situation and recommend treatment, if necessary.
Pain, Swelling, or Infection
- If your child has any pain, swelling, or infection, call your dentist without delay.
- Meanwhile, you may help your child with pain by using a cold compress.
Final Words
So, when do kids lose teeth? Normally, children lose teeth from 6 through 12 years, starting with the lower front teeth. Though this happens naturally and at varying times, knowing the timeline better prepares you for all the stages of your child’s development, enabling them to have good oral hygiene and a healthy smile.
During this phase, a kid’s dentist is a valuable resource that provides personalized advice on the care and maintenance of the erupting teeth and puts all kinds of worries to rest. Our dentist in New Prague at Dental on First recommends regular checkups to monitor progress. The specialist makes kids feel at ease with their gentle techniques and playful approaches.
Book an appointment with us and let our experts take care of your child’s dental needs.
Call: 952-758-3003
Visit: 136 Main St, West New Prague, MN
Email: office@dentalonfirst.com
FAQs
At what age do kids usually lose their first tooth?
Children typically lose their first tooth between the ages of 6 and 7, but this is not the rule. Girls tend to lose their teeth faster compared to boys. Consult your dentist for personalized guidance on your child’s dental development.
What should I do if my child’s tooth is very loose?
If your child’s tooth is very loose, encourage gentle wiggling with clean fingers or tongue. Don’t force the tooth; instead, ask your dentist for advice to avoid discomfort or damage.
How can I avoid pain when a tooth is coming out?
Pain can be prevented by encouraging gentle wiggling or offering soft foods. To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress. Your dentist will provide you with instructions on managing discomfort to ensure the process goes smoothly.
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth comes in before the baby tooth falls out?
If the permanent tooth comes in before the baby tooth has fallen out, see your dentist. They may remove the baby tooth to give proper spacing and alignment for the permanent teeth to come in properly.
Should I be concerned if my child has gaps between their baby teeth?
Don’t worry, gaps among the baby teeth are very common and usually normal. The permanent growing inside replaces the spaces. Consult your dentist to rule out any underlying issues.
