Have you ever wondered about the fascinating journey your child's mouth takes from their first tiny teeth to a full adult smile? It's a common question, and one we at My Teeth and Me hear often: Do you lose all your baby teeth?
This My Teeth and Me article will explore the answers, guiding you through the natural process of tooth loss, what to expect, and when to seek expert advice while at a check-up.
Let's dive in and understand this exciting phase of your child's development.
Baby teeth, or primary teeth, are the first set of teeth children get. They usually start appearing around six months of age. These small, white teeth are designed to help kids chew food, speak clearly, and smile confidently.
Ever wonder why we don’t just grow permanent teeth right away? Baby teeth act as placeholders. They maintain space in the jaw for adult teeth, guide them into position, and ensure proper facial development. Without them, adult teeth could erupt crooked, or not at all — kind of like building a house without a foundation.
Children typically grow a total of 20 baby teeth — 10 on the upper jaw and 10 on the lower jaw. These include incisors, canines, and molars. Most kids have a full set of baby teeth by the time they’re 2½ to 3 years old.
Yes, in almost all cases, every one of the 20 baby teeth falls out — but not all at once. This process is gradual and happens over several years. Although rare exceptions exist, such as when baby teeth remain into adulthood, the general rule is: yes, all baby teeth eventually go.
The journey begins around age 6. The two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to go, followed by their top counterparts. This marks the beginning of the transition from baby teeth to adult teeth.
There’s a natural sequence to how baby teeth fall out, which usually follows the order they came in. Here’s a general guide:
| Tooth Type | Average Age of Loss |
| Central Incisors | 6–7 years old |
| Lateral Incisors | 7–8 years old |
| First Molars | 9–11 years old |
| Canines | 9–12 years old |
| Second Molars | 10–12 years old |
This sequence can vary slightly, but it’s a helpful roadmap for parents tracking their child’s dental milestones.
By around age 12 or 13, most children have lost all their baby teeth. This sets the stage for a full set of permanent teeth — excluding the wisdom teeth, which typically erupt in the late teens or early twenties.
Yes, it does happen. Sometimes a baby tooth stays because the adult tooth meant to replace it never developed. This isn’t necessarily a problem, but the retained tooth will need to be monitored for wear and health.
Some people are born without certain adult teeth, a condition known as congenital tooth agenesis. In such cases, the baby tooth may remain in place for years — sometimes even for life — especially if it’s healthy and functional.
Baby teeth without successors can serve as long-term placeholders. If well-cared-for, they can function for decades. However, because they’re smaller and may not align with adult teeth, some people eventually need dental treatment like crowns or implants.
Some baby teeth just don’t want to let go. This can be due to a few reasons:
Holding onto baby teeth for too long can lead to crowding, bite issues, or improper alignment of adult teeth. Over time, retained baby teeth may also become more prone to decay or wear.
If a baby tooth has overstayed its welcome, your My Teeth and Me dentist may recommend removing it. This is especially important if it’s causing problems with spacing, bite alignment, or the eruption of adult teeth.
Twenty adult teeth will replace the original 20 baby teeth. These include:
The permanent molars — first, second, and third molars (wisdom teeth) — erupt without replacing any baby teeth. They often need removal later.
Molars are critical for chewing and maintaining the alignment of the bite. Premolars help with grinding and chewing, and wisdom teeth — when they come in properly — complete the dental set, although many people end up having them removed due to complications.
Loose baby teeth can be fun — and a little annoying. Encourage your child to gently wiggle them using their tongue or clean fingers. Avoid tying a string to a doorknob (yes, people still try this). If a tooth isn’t quite ready, forcing it can hurt the gum or lead to infection.
Healthy foods support strong teeth. Include:
Routine dental visits help track tooth development and prevent problems. Your pediatric dentist can catch delays, cavities, or alignment issues early, often before they become serious.
Delayed tooth loss may signal:
An x-ray or dental exam can help pinpoint the reason for the delay.
Losing a tooth too early can affect how the surrounding teeth shift and grow. This may require a space maintainer or orthodontic treatment down the road.
Irregular patterns of baby tooth loss can disrupt alignment and bite. Dentists and orthodontists often work together to ensure adult teeth have the space they need to erupt properly.
These teeth can stick around and still do their job — but they may need extra care or restoration if they wear down or shift out of place.
These teeth don’t loosen on their own and may stay below the gum line. Dentists usually recommend removal if they interfere with other teeth.
Conditions like ectodermal dysplasia can result in missing or malformed teeth. In such cases, a personalized treatment plan is essential and may involve prosthetics or orthodontics.
Pediatric dentists monitor every stage of dental development. They look at symmetry, timing, and spacing — and intervene when necessary.
If a tooth is lost too early, dentists may use spacers to preserve the gap and guide the adult tooth into place.
From extraction to orthodontic referrals, pediatric dentists know how to handle stubborn baby teeth or developmental delays with minimal discomfort.
Unlike baby teething, losing teeth doesn’t typically cause fevers. Mild gum irritation is normal, but if your child has a high fever, it’s more likely due to another illness.
At My Teeth and Me, we believe in more than just checkups – we believe in relationships. Based in New York, NY, our pediatric dental home, as defined by the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, offers care that's comprehensive, coordinated, and family-centered.
Dr. Liora Benichou and her team provide personalized, gentle care for every stage of your child’s dental journey. Our services include cleanings, dental fillings, fluoride treatments, safe digital X-rays, orthodontic referrals, and nitrous oxide for comfort.
We focus on prevention, education, and making every child feel safe and heard, supporting them from their first loose tooth to preparing for braces. You can find us at 157 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, United States, open Wednesday and Friday from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM, and Sunday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. We look forward to welcoming your family to My Teeth and Me!
So, do you lose all your baby teeth? For most children, yes — all 20 primary teeth will eventually fall out, making way for a full set of adult teeth. While a few cases might keep a baby tooth into adulthood, regular dental care at My Teeth and Me ensures proper development and a healthy smile.
Think of each baby tooth as a stepping stone — and with the right care, those stones lead to confident, lifelong oral health. Contact and make your appointment today.
Yes. Adults may retain baby teeth if the permanent ones are missing. This isn’t rare and can be managed with proper dental care.
Most kids lose their last baby teeth by age 12 or 13. This timing may vary depending on genetics and overall development.
A small amount of bleeding is normal. Use gauze or a tissue to stop the bleeding, and reassure your child — it’s all part of growing up.
Yes. It’s usually harmless and will pass through the digestive system. There's no need for alarm.
Premature loss can affect spacing and alignment. A space maintainer might be needed, so check with your dentist.
Only if the tooth is very loose and ready to fall out. Never force it. If you're unsure, your dentist can help.
Is the thought of your child's dental check-up and restorative dental treatment accompanied by worry? You're not alone. Dental anxiety in children is a common concern, but thankfully, pediatric sedation dentistry provides a safe and effective way to ensure they receive the oral care they need with comfort and ease.
This My Teeth and Me article will guide you through the various facets of pediatric sedation, from understanding what it is and why it's used, to exploring the different levels and safety measures in place.
Join us as we explore how this approach can transform your child's dental journey.
When a child avoids dental visits due to fear, it can lead to neglected oral health and larger issues down the road.
Without regular check-ups and treatments, issues like cavities and gum disease can worsen, resulting in painful or more complex dental treatments later on.
Addressing anxiety through sedation can help break the cycle of fear and ensure these underlying issues, distinct from typical teething symptoms, are properly identified and treated, preventing future dental problems.
Common signs of dental phobia in children include extreme fear or tantrums before dental appointments, physical symptoms such as stomach aches or headaches, and resistance to getting into the dental chair.
If your child displays these signs, it might be time to consider sedation to make their experience more comfortable.
Nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, is a mild sedative that relaxes the patient without putting them to sleep. It’s delivered through a small mask placed over the child’s nose.
This type of sedation is ideal for children with mild anxiety, as it provides a calming effect without the need for an injection.
Oral conscious sedation involves the child taking a medication in the form of a pill or liquid before their dental visit. This sedative helps the child relax but doesn’t put them to sleep.
It's often used for slightly more anxious children who require more than just nitrous oxide but aren’t in need of full anesthesia.
Intravenous (IV) sedation involves administering sedative medication directly into the bloodstream through a vein.
This method is more powerful and is often used for more complex procedures or for children who experience high levels of fear. While the child may remain awake, they will be deeply relaxed and unaware of the procedure.
General anesthesia is the most intense form of sedation. It completely puts the child to sleep, ensuring they are unaware and pain-free throughout the procedure.
This type of sedation is typically reserved for extensive dental procedures or for children with severe anxiety or special needs.
Minimal sedation allows the child to remain fully awake and alert but relaxed. This is often used for routine cleanings or check-ups, where the child’s anxiety is minimal.
With moderate sedation, the child will be more relaxed and may experience a slight loss of memory about the procedure. This level of sedation is commonly used for procedures like fillings or small extractions.
In deep sedation, the child may be on the verge of falling asleep but can still be awakened if necessary. It’s typically used for more complex treatments or children who have difficulty staying still.
Full anesthesia puts the child into a deep sleep where they are completely unaware of their surroundings. This level of sedation is used for extensive dental work or for children with medical or emotional conditions that make other forms of sedation impractical.
The type of sedation used depends largely on the complexity of the dental treatment. For example, a simple cleaning may only require minimal sedation, while a tooth extraction may require moderate or even deep sedation.
A child’s health history plays a crucial role in determining the type of sedation. Children with specific health conditions, such as heart disease or respiratory issues, may require special considerations and lower levels of sedation.
A child’s emotional state and past experiences at the dentist also influence the sedation choice. If the child has a history of dental anxiety, deeper sedation may be necessary.
Pediatric sedation should only be administered by trained professionals, including pediatric dentists or anesthesiologists at My Teeth and Me. These experts are skilled in managing the sedation process, ensuring that the child’s safety is prioritized.
Before any sedation is administered, a thorough health evaluation is performed to assess the child’s suitability for sedation. This includes reviewing medical history and conducting any necessary tests to ensure the safety of the procedure.
During the procedure, the child’s vital signs, such as heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing, are closely monitored. This ensures that the sedation is working effectively and safely.
It’s important to explain to your child what will happen during the procedure in simple, non-scary terms. Let them know that the sedation will help them feel relaxed and comfortable.
Children should refrain from eating or drinking for several hours before their appointment to avoid complications with sedation. Your pediatric dentist will provide specific instructions based on the type of sedation being used.
Bring a comfort item, such as a favorite toy or blanket, to help your child feel at ease during their visit. You may also want to pack a snack for after the procedure when your child is ready to eat.
Parents will typically be able to stay with their child during the appointment. They will be able to observe the process but may need to step out of the room when the sedation is being administered.
As a parent, your role is to support your child before, during, and after the procedure. You’ll need to prepare your child for the visit, comfort them during recovery, and ensure they follow post-sedation care instructions.
Recovery times vary based on the sedation used. Nitrous oxide wears off quickly, while recovery from general anesthesia may take several hours.
After the procedure, keep a close eye on your child for any unusual symptoms, such as excessive drowsiness or nausea.
Mild side effects, such as drowsiness or grogginess, are common after sedation. However, if your child experiences severe pain or difficulty breathing, contact the dentist immediately.
Sedation dentistry helps children overcome their fear of the dentist, reduces anxiety, and makes procedures quicker and more efficient. For parents, it ensures their child receives the necessary treatment without a traumatic experience.
While sedation is generally safe, there are risks, including allergic reactions or complications due to pre-existing health conditions. This is why a thorough health evaluation is essential.
Positive experiences with sedation can help children build better attitudes toward dental care, potentially leading to healthier lifelong dental habits.
Sedation is commonly used during restorative procedures like fillings and crowns, making it easier for the child to sit still and cooperate.
For more invasive procedures like tooth extractions, sedation ensures the child is relaxed and unaware of the discomfort.
Sedation is often required for complex or emergency procedures, such as repairing fractured teeth or treating infections.
Sedation helps avoid the trauma that can come from a fearful, anxious child resisting treatment.
Sedation allows multiple procedures to be completed in one visit, reducing the number of visits needed and improving overall dental health.
By having a positive, relaxed experience, children are more likely to develop positive associations with dental visits, which can last a lifetime.
My Teeth and Me in New York, NY, is a family-centered pediatric dental practice dedicated to providing gentle, personalized care. Under the expertise of Dr. Liora Benichou, our practice offers a wide range of dental services, including cleanings, fillings, orthodontics, and sedation options.
We prioritize your child’s comfort and well-being in a warm, caring environment, ensuring that every visit is a positive experience. We’re open every Wednesday and Friday, from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm and every Sunday, 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.
Call us today and make an appointment.
Pediatric sedation dentistry offers a safe and effective solution for children who experience anxiety during dental visits. By ensuring your child is comfortable and relaxed, sedation helps create positive dental experiences that lead to healthier oral habits.
If you’re concerned about your child’s dental anxiety, consult with a trusted pediatric dentist at My Teeth and Me today.
Yes, sedation is safe when administered by a trained professional. A pre-sedation health evaluation ensures that sedation is appropriate for your child.
It depends on the type of sedation. With mild sedation, your child will remain awake but relaxed. With general anesthesia, they will be fully asleep.
Your pediatric dentist will recommend the best sedation option based on your child’s anxiety level, medical history, and the procedure being performed.
