When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth? A Complete Guide for Parents

Most kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6, though anywhere between 5 and 7 is completely normal.

The first teeth to go are almost always the lower central incisors — the two bottom front teeth — followed closely by the upper front teeth. By the time most children are 12 to 13, all 20 baby teeth have been replaced by permanent ones. Losing teeth is one of childhood's most memorable milestones, and for most families it's an exciting one.

This guide covers exactly when it happens tooth by tooth, what's normal if your child is early or late, what to do when a tooth comes out, and when it's worth calling your pediatric dentist.

Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Baby teeth don't fall out randomly — they follow a specific biological process. Each permanent tooth develops below its baby tooth predecessor in the jawbone. As the permanent tooth grows and pushes upward, it gradually dissolves the roots of the baby tooth above it through a process called root resorption. As the roots disappear, the baby tooth loses its anchor and becomes loose. Eventually it falls out — sometimes with a dramatic wiggle session, sometimes seemingly on its own.

This process is why the sequence of tooth loss is so predictable. The same teeth that came in first tend to fall out first, following essentially the reverse of the original eruption order.

When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth? The Full Timeline

Ages 5–7 — Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) The lower two front teeth are almost always the first to go. Many children are still 5 when this happens, though 6 is most common. These teeth tend to become noticeably loose several weeks before they fall out, giving children plenty of time to enjoy the wiggling.

Ages 6–8 — Upper central incisors (top front teeth) The two top front teeth follow shortly after the bottom ones. This is the classic gap-toothed smile of early elementary school. The upper central incisors are often the ones children are most excited about because they're the most visible.

Ages 7–8 — Lateral incisors (teeth beside the front teeth) The teeth immediately next to the central incisors — both upper and lower — come out next. By this point most children are experienced tooth-losers and handle it with minimal drama.

Ages 9–11 — First molars and canines The back baby teeth and the pointed canine teeth (sometimes called "eye teeth") fall out during this window. These tend to be tighter and have stronger roots than the front teeth, so they may take longer to loosen and fall out.

Ages 10–12 — Second molars The last baby teeth to fall out are the second molars at the very back. By the time these come out, most children are in middle school and the last permanent teeth — including the twelve-year molars — are erupting to complete the adult smile.

Ages 17–21 — Wisdom teeth (third molars) Technically the last "new" teeth, wisdom teeth are not replacements for baby teeth. They erupt at the very back of the mouth in late adolescence and early adulthood, and many people have them removed if there isn't enough space.

What's Normal — and What's Not

My child is 5 and already losing teeth — is that too early?

Losing a first tooth as early as age 4 or 5 is on the early end of normal, particularly if it happens naturally through root resorption and the tooth was loose for weeks beforehand. Early tooth loss tends to run in families. If a tooth fell out due to trauma or decay rather than natural loosening, let your pediatric dentist know — a space maintainer may be needed to prevent neighboring teeth from drifting into the gap.

My child is 7 and hasn't lost a tooth yet — should I be worried?

Not at all. Some children don't lose their first tooth until age 7 or even 8, and this is completely normal. Late tooth loss also tends to run in families. If your child is 8 or older with no loose teeth and no permanent teeth visible, a dental visit and X-rays will show whether the permanent teeth are developing normally beneath the surface.

The permanent tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth

If the baby tooth is loose, encourage wiggling. If it's firmly in place after several weeks, your pediatric dentist can remove it simply to clear the way. Learn more about what to do when a tooth grows behind a baby tooth.

A tooth fell out too early due to decay or injury

If a baby tooth is lost significantly before its natural time — particularly a back tooth — neighboring teeth can drift into the gap, causing crowding for the permanent tooth when it eventually erupts. Your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer, which holds the gap open until the permanent tooth is ready to come in. Learn more about space maintainers.

What to Do When a Tooth Falls Out

For most children, a loose tooth falling out is a completely uneventful moment — maybe a little blood, a lot of excitement, and a quick rinse. Here's what to do:

If there's bleeding: a small amount of bleeding is normal. Have your child bite down gently on a clean piece of gauze or a damp washcloth for a few minutes. Bleeding should stop within 10–15 minutes.

Rinse with water: a gentle rinse with cool water keeps the area clean. Avoid mouthwash immediately after — it can sting.

Watch for the permanent tooth: in most cases the permanent tooth will begin erupting within weeks of the baby tooth falling out. If there's no sign of a permanent tooth after 3–4 months, mention it at your next dental visit.

Keep the tooth: if the Tooth Fairy is part of your family's tradition, this is the moment. A small tooth box or envelope works perfectly.

What not to do: don't attempt to pull a tooth that isn't ready — pulling a firmly rooted tooth can damage the surrounding tissue and the developing permanent tooth below. Wait until it's truly loose enough to come out with minimal effort.

How to Help a Loose Tooth Fall Out

The most effective and safest method is also the simplest: encourage your child to wiggle it with their tongue throughout the day. Regular gentle wiggling accelerates root resorption and helps the tooth fall out naturally without any intervention.

If a tooth is very loose — hanging by a thread — your child can gently twist and pull it with clean fingers. Here's a safe step-by-step guide to pulling a loose tooth at home — and when to call the dentist instead.

Caring for New Permanent Teeth

Permanent teeth need more care than baby teeth — not less. They're the teeth your child will have for the rest of their life.

Start brushing permanent teeth immediately. New permanent teeth are particularly porous when they first erupt, making them more vulnerable to cavities during the first few years. Consistent brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste is essential.

Ask about dental sealants. Sealants are thin protective coatings applied to the grooves of the back permanent teeth, dramatically reducing cavity risk. They're one of the most effective preventive investments available and are typically applied when the first and second permanent molars erupt.

Keep up with dental visits every 6 months. The transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth is one of the most important periods for orthodontic monitoring. Your pediatric dentist will track the eruption sequence, watch for crowding or spacing issues, and refer to an orthodontist if early intervention is beneficial.

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Frequently Asked Questions

When do kids start losing teeth?

Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, though losing a first tooth as early as 5 or as late as 7 is completely normal. The lower front teeth are almost always the first to fall out, followed by the upper front teeth.

When do baby teeth fall out?

Baby teeth fall out in a predictable sequence over a period of about 6–7 years. The process begins around age 5–7 with the lower front teeth and is typically complete by age 12–13 when the last baby molars fall out.

What age do kids start losing teeth?

The average age for losing the first baby tooth is 6, but normal range spans from about 4–5 on the early end to 7–8 on the late end. Timing tends to run in families — if you lost your teeth early, your child may too.

When do kids lose their first tooth?

Most kids lose their first tooth around their 6th birthday, give or take a year. The lower central incisors — the two bottom front teeth — are almost always the first to go.

What if my child's tooth hasn't fallen out by age 8?

If your child is 8 years old and hasn't lost any teeth yet, a dental visit is a good idea. X-rays will show whether the permanent teeth are developing normally beneath the surface. Delayed tooth loss is usually nothing to worry about but it's worth confirming with your dentist.

Do kids lose all 20 baby teeth?

Yes. All 20 primary teeth are eventually replaced by permanent teeth. The process begins around age 6 and is typically complete by age 12–13. Wisdom teeth erupt later in adolescence and are additional teeth, not replacements for baby teeth.

My child's permanent tooth is coming in but the baby tooth hasn't fallen out — what should I do?

This is called shark teeth and is very common. If the baby tooth is loose, encourage wiggling — it will usually fall out on its own within a few weeks. If the baby tooth is still firmly in place after 4 weeks, contact your pediatric dentist for a simple extraction.

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