When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth? (Answered)

Curious to know: “When do kids lose teeth?”

Raising children is a rewarding journey. However, it requires familiarizing oneself with various aspects of the job to ensure healthier parenting. 

One of these aspects is understanding different developmental milestones, such as when do kids start losing teeth.

We’ve curated a know-it-all guide to help you find the right answers to the question and stay all prepped up with proactive oral care for your kid’s important milestone. 

Let us clear your confusion about ‘What age do kids lose teeth?’.

When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?

Kids typically start losing teeth around the age of 6 or 7 in a natural phenomenon referred to as ‘shedding.’ It occurs when the permanent teeth underneath push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to loosen up and fall out. Don’t worry, this process is natural, and the missing teeth won’t trouble your child.

Also Read: Understanding Overbite: A Comprehensive Guide for Facts and Solutions 

Which Baby Teeth Fall Out First?

Generally, the first teeth that shed off are the lower front teeth. The next in line are the upper front teeth. 

However, it’s important to note that there’s no particular order, and the timing can vary from kid to kid. Most will have lost all their baby teeth by the age of 12 or 13.

A kid losing teeth can be an exciting moment for both the kid and the parents, often accompanied by traditions, such as visits from the tooth fairy and the anticipation of growing permanent teeth.

Kids Losing Teeth: A Look at the Timeline of Events

In a standard scenario, a kid’s baby teeth will shed following the similar sequence in which they emerged. Here’s a look at the rough timeline that parents must know.

• Central incisors: Fall off at 6–7 years old
• Lateral incisors: Shed at 7–8 years old
• Canines: Fall off between 9–12 years old
• First molars: Shed between 9–11 years old
• Second molars: Lost around 10–12 years old

Here is a YouTube video by Fauquier ENT showing baby teeth to adult teeth time lapse animation: 

How Many Baby Teeth Do Kids Lose?

For those wondering: “When do kids lose teeth?” The answer is typically between the ages of 6 and 7. But, to find the answer to ‘how many,’ we have the following section.

Notably, Children have 20 primary teeth (or baby teeth), which eventually fall off to make the space for permanent, more healthier teeth.

Key Considerations to Keep in Mind

1. The child typically starts losing teeth at an earlier age than when they originally received their first tooth. See your pediatric dentist if your child has lost any baby teeth by the time they are four years old, or if they haven’t lost any by the time they are seven or eight years old. 

2. On rare occasions, baby teeth may remain in place long after they should have fallen out. It’s not always necessary to extract these ‘retained’ teeth; in certain cases, they can remain as they are. However, a thorough examination, including X-rays, is necessary to determine the best course of action.

3. Until the permanent tooth below pushes forward to take its place, a primary tooth typically does not loosen and fall out. To provide a comfortable extraction, the baby tooth’s roots disintegrate when the permanent tooth erupts. 

4. To hold the space for the adult tooth to erupt properly in these situations and avoid crowding in the future, the use of a dental space maintainer is recommended.

Also Read: Swollen Gum Around One Tooth: Know About its Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment 

Can Kids’ Teeth Fall Out Too Soon?

Well, yes!

If a kid loses a tooth before turning four, it could cause the adult teeth to erupt out of alignment. In case your child experiences their first tooth loss before turning four, it’s a good idea to visit a dentist. 

It’s acceptable to lose the first tooth later, even though children often lose them before they turn 7. An X-ray taken by a dentist can confirm that all of the permanent teeth are still beneath the gums.

In most cases, tooth loss occurs spontaneously. Although many children experience no discomfort from a loose tooth, it may seem strange to them. All you have to do is reassure them that it’s nothing to be alarmed of.

An ice pack or an age-appropriate dosage of an anti-inflammatory painkiller can assist if your child is feeling sore or uncomfortable. Naturally, you can incorporate the Tooth Fairy in your child’s tooth loss process if you want to thrill them about losing teeth.

When the tooth falls out, the gums would bleed a little bit. Usually, bleeding can be stopped by swishing water out of their mouth. 

When Do Kids Start Getting Adult Teeth?

Around age six, when children begin to lose their baby teeth, the permanent teeth that they will have for the rest of their lives begin to erupt. 

The first permanent teeth to erupt are the molars. As the baby teeth fall out, other permanent teeth will erupt. The majority of people have thirty-two permanent teeth in total, including their wisdom or third molars. Once your kid gets permanent teeth, make sure they don’t get any black spots on the tooth because it can be an underlying cavity. 

An Expert’s Advice on Handling Loose Teeth and Taking Care of Permanent Ones

Parents? Take note!

Here are a few recommended ways of taking care of your kids as they lose baby teeth and gain permanent ones. 

1. Losing baby teeth might be a little frightening for certain children. Assure young children that losing teeth won’t harm and that it’s a necessary step toward developing a gorgeous, mature smile.

2. If a child is bothered by a loose baby tooth, you should encourage them to softly wiggle it. If it’s obviously ready to go, but it’s holding on by a thread, you can also try wrapping it in a tissue and pushing gently to get it out.

3. If a baby tooth is only slightly loose or does not appear to be coming out on its own, you should never pluck it out. A tooth that isn’t quite ready can hurt when you yank it. Speak with your child’s pediatric dentist if you have concerns about their baby tooth not falling out.

4. Never forget that each child is unique. These are only approximate times at which baby teeth fall out and permanent teeth sprout. Make an appointment with your child’s dentist, though, if a tooth is loose that you don’t think it should be.

5. It’s important that kids clean their teeth for two full minutes every day, whether they have primary teeth, permanent teeth, or a combination of both. If you need some help encouraging kids to brush their teeth for two full minutes, get them digital brushes that have timers.

6. Make appointments for expert dental cleanings and examinations with your pediatric dentist twice a year. A pediatric dentist will ensure that your child is developing normally and that their teeth and gums are in good condition. They will also assist children in developing wonderful oral care habits. 

7. Once a child receives their first set of permanent molars, don’t underestimate the value of dental sealants! Tooth decay can be avoided with ease and at a low cost by using dental sealants. 

8. To support healthy teeth and gums, encourage children to consume a well-rounded diet rich in lean protein, low-fat dairy, complex carbs, healthy fats, fruits, and vegetables. Sugar-filled foods and beverages should be avoided, as frequent snacking and overindulging in sugary, starchy foods, can raise the risk of dental decay.

9. Ask your kids to wear mouthguards when playing sports or engaging in any other physical activity where a hit to the mouth could occur, it will keep their jaw healthy. Since children only get one permanent set of teeth, it is crucial to safeguard them. 

Final Thoughts

A kid losing teeth is an important development of his growing years, changing how he looks and does things. Parents must take on the role of active caregivers and follow every precaution to make the entire journey smooth, seamless, and fuss-free. 

Also Read: How Teeth Gap Filling Can Enhance Your Smile? – List of Procedures, Cost, Prevention, and More! 

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