When do baby teeth fall out?

When do baby teeth fall out

Baby teeth usually start falling out around age six, but normal timing varies. Most children lose the front teeth first, then continue losing baby teeth in stages until the early teen years.

The first loose tooth often appears when the permanent lower front teeth begin pushing in, but some children start earlier or later without a problem. Front incisors commonly loosen between ages six and eight, first molars and canines often follow later, and second baby molars may not come out until around ages ten to twelve. A tooth may wiggle for weeks before it is ready, and gentle movement is fine if your child is comfortable. Pulling hard before the roots have dissolved can cause pain, bleeding, or fear. A checkup is helpful if a permanent tooth erupts far behind a baby tooth, one side is much delayed compared with the other, a baby tooth is lost very early from decay or trauma, or no teeth are loosening by around age seven or eight. Dental X-rays can show whether adult teeth are present and moving along their expected path.

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Key Points

• Many children lose their first baby tooth around age six.
• Front teeth usually fall out before back baby molars.
• A wiggly tooth may take weeks to come out naturally.
• Early loss from decay or injury can affect adult tooth spacing.
• Delayed or unusual eruption patterns deserve a dental check.

What This Means for You

Use the timeline as a guide, not a deadline. If teeth are loosening evenly and your child is comfortable, patience is usually enough; if eruption looks crowded, one-sided, painful, or very delayed, ask your dentist to take a closer look.

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