Most parents remember the first tooth — that tiny white speck poking through at around 6 months. But the second big milestone, losing those baby teeth, catches many families off guard. The average child starts losing baby teeth around age 6, but the normal range spans anywhere from 4 to 7 years old. If your kindergartener still has a full set of baby teeth while their classmates are flashing gap-toothed grins, that is completely normal.
Understanding the timeline can save you unnecessary worry — and help you spot potential issues early. You can use the Age Calculator to check exactly how old your child is in years and months, which matters because dental development follows age more closely than grade level.
The Typical Baby Teeth Loss Timeline
Children have 20 baby teeth (primary teeth), and they generally fall out in the same order they came in. The American Dental Association (ADA) and American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) provide the following age ranges based on decades of clinical data:
| Tooth Type | Typical Loss Age | Number of Teeth | What to Expect |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lower central incisors | 6–7 years | 2 | First to go — the classic bottom gap |
| Upper central incisors | 6–7 years | 2 | The top front teeth, often right after bottom ones |
| Upper lateral incisors | 7–8 years | 2 | Next to the front teeth |
| Lower lateral incisors | 7–8 years | 2 | Bottom teeth next to the centrals |
| Upper first molars | 9–11 years | 2 | Back teeth — these take longer |
| Lower first molars | 9–11 years | 2 | Bottom back teeth |
| Upper canines (cuspids) | 10–12 years | 2 | The pointy teeth — late losers |
| Lower canines | 9–12 years | 2 | Bottom canines |
| Lower second molars | 10–12 years | 2 | Very back bottom teeth |
| Upper second molars | 10–12 years | 2 | Last to go — usually by age 12–13 |
By age 12 to 13, most children have lost all 20 baby teeth and have 28 permanent teeth (the four wisdom teeth come later, typically between 17 and 21).
Girls vs. Boys: Who Loses Teeth First?
Research consistently shows that girls tend to lose baby teeth earlier than boys — by about 4 to 6 months on average. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Dental Research analyzing over 10,000 children found that the mean age for losing the first tooth was 6.1 years for girls and 6.5 years for boys. This mirrors the broader pattern of earlier physical development in girls during childhood.
When to Be Concerned
While there is wide variation in normal tooth loss timing, the AAPD recommends consulting a pediatric dentist if:
- No teeth lost by age 7.5: This could indicate delayed eruption of permanent teeth or ankylosis (baby tooth fused to bone).
- Baby teeth lost before age 4: Early loss can result from trauma or decay and may require a space maintainer to prevent crowding.
- Asymmetrical loss: If a tooth on one side falls out and the matching tooth on the other side does not emerge within 6 months, the permanent tooth may be impacted.
- Adult teeth coming in behind baby teeth: This “shark teeth” appearance is common in the lower front incisors but should be monitored — if the baby tooth does not loosen within 2–3 weeks, extraction may be needed.
What to Do When a Tooth Is Loose
Let the tooth loosen naturally. The AAPD advises against tying a string to a doorknob — the old-school method can cause unnecessary pain and gum damage. Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth gently with their tongue or clean fingers. The tooth will fall out when the root has fully dissolved, which typically takes 2–4 weeks from the first sign of looseness. Once it falls out, expect mild bleeding that stops within minutes with gentle pressure from clean gauze.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Do baby teeth have roots?
Yes — baby teeth have full roots that slowly dissolve (resorb) as the permanent tooth pushes up from below. This is why a lost baby tooth looks like a hollow shell with no root.
Q: Can a cavity in a baby tooth affect the permanent tooth?
Yes. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can spread infection to the developing permanent tooth bud beneath, potentially causing enamel defects or discoloration. This is why dentists recommend filling cavities even in teeth that will eventually fall out.
Q: How many teeth should a 10-year-old have lost?
By age 10, most children have lost 12 to 16 baby teeth. The remaining 4 to 8 teeth — typically the canines and second molars — will fall out between ages 10 and 12.
Q: When should my child first see an orthodontist?
The American Association of Orthodontists recommends an initial orthodontic evaluation by age 7, even if no teeth appear crooked. At this age, the mix of baby and permanent teeth allows an orthodontist to spot subtle problems with jaw growth and emerging teeth.
Use our Age Calculator to check your child’s exact age in years and months — this precision helps when discussing dental milestones with your pediatric dentist.
