Every parent eagerly anticipates the moment when their child loses their first tooth. It’s not just a milestone but also a symbol of growing up and moving forward into a new stage of childhood, as we explore in this My Teeth and Me article. But one question comes up often: When do children lose their baby teeth? The process is a natural one, but it doesn’t look the same for every child. Some children lose their first tooth in kindergarten, while others wait until later. Both are perfectly normal. What matters most is understanding how the process works, what to expect, and how to help your child through it with confidence and care. Children usually develop 20 baby teeth, with 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom. These teeth come in gradually, starting from around six months of age and continuing until about age three. Baby teeth play several essential roles: Without healthy baby teeth, children may struggle with eating, speaking, and even developing proper alignment for their permanent teeth. Teething generally starts at around 6 months, and by age 3 most children have their full set of 20 baby teeth. Every child is different, so this timeline may shift slightly earlier or later. Children usually begin losing their baby teeth around age 6 and continue until about 12 or 13. This is an average range, so some children may lose teeth earlier or later, and that’s completely normal. The first teeth to fall out are typically the bottom front teeth, known as the lower central incisors. These are the same teeth that usually came in first as babies. If you lost your first tooth at an early age, your child may follow the same pattern. Genetics often play a role in when teeth are lost. A healthy diet rich in calcium and vitamin D supports strong teeth and bones. Children with good nutrition may experience tooth loss in a typical timeframe, while deficiencies can sometimes delay the process. Children who got their first baby teeth earlier than average may also lose them earlier. Likewise, those who were late teethers may also be late tooth losers. If your child can move the tooth easily with their tongue or fingers, it’s usually ready to come out soon. You may notice redness, slight swelling, or sensitivity around the gums. These are normal signs that the permanent tooth is pushing through. Children often notice before parents do. If your child says a tooth feels “funny” or “wiggly,” it’s likely close to falling out. If a tooth is lost too early due to injury or decay, it can cause alignment issues later. A dentist may recommend a space maintainer to prevent problems. Sometimes, baby teeth don’t fall out when expected. Permanent teeth may erupt behind them, creating a “shark tooth” look. This usually resolves naturally, but a dentist can help if needed. It’s best to let teeth fall out naturally. Pulling a tooth prematurely can cause pain, infection, or unnecessary bleeding. Permanent teeth gradually push against the roots of baby teeth, causing them to loosen and eventually fall out. If permanent teeth don’t have enough room to grow, they can cause crowding or misalignment. Orthodontic treatment may be necessary to correct this. Children need help brushing and flossing during this stage since they’ll have a mix of baby and permanent teeth. Extra care keeps both sets healthy. Fluoride strengthens enamel, while a diet low in sugary foods reduces the risk of cavities in both baby and permanent teeth. Sealants, fluoride treatments, and regular dental visits can prevent early decay in permanent teeth. Yes, all 20 baby teeth are eventually replaced by 32 permanent teeth. This includes molars and wisdom teeth, which arrive later in life. Regular dental checkups at My Teeth and Me every six months are especially important during the ages of 6–12, when most tooth loss happens. Dentists often use x-rays to make sure permanent teeth are forming and erupting correctly beneath the gums. Early evaluations can spot potential issues with alignment, spacing, or bite, making treatment easier and shorter later on. A playground accident or severe decay may cause premature tooth loss. In these cases, dental guidance is needed to protect the space for permanent teeth. Sometimes permanent teeth don’t erupt properly and get stuck. This may require intervention from a dentist or orthodontist. If a baby tooth is lost too early, dentists may use a small device called a space maintainer to hold the gap until the permanent tooth is ready. Make it exciting! Remind them that losing teeth is part of growing up and that everyone goes through it. The Tooth Fairy adds fun and excitement to the process, making children look forward to losing teeth instead of being nervous about it. Explain that losing teeth is painless for most kids and that it means their new “grown-up” teeth are coming in strong. If teeth fall out too soon, permanent teeth may shift into the wrong place. Monitoring alignment helps prevent future issues. Orthodontists can correct crowding, gaps, or misaligned bites early on, often making treatment easier later. Good brushing, flossing, and regular checkups early in life establish habits that last into adulthood. At My Teeth and Me, we follow the philosophy of creating a true “dental home,” where children feel safe, cared for, and understood. Dr. Liora Benichou, also known as Dr. B, provides personalized, preventive, and therapeutic care in a warm and child-friendly environment. Every child receives gentle attention, and services include cleanings, sealants, fluoride varnish, BPA-free white fillings, minimal radiation x-rays, orthodontic guidance, and nitrous oxide when needed for comfort. Our mission is simple yet powerful: to guide families through every stage of dental development with professionalism, compassion, and family-centered care. We believe in equipping parents with the knowledge they need while ensuring each child builds the foundation for a healthy, confident smile. For families searching for compassionate and expert pediatric dental care in New York, My Teeth and Me offers the perfect solution. The practice is located at 157 E 81st St, New York, NY 10028, US, ground level between Lexington and 3rd Avenue, making it a convenient choice for families in the Upper East Side. The office hours are designed to accommodate busy parents and children’s schedules. We are open on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday from 9:00 am to 7:00 pm, and on Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm. The practice is closed on Wednesdays and Fridays. So, when do children lose their baby teeth? The process usually happens between the ages of 6 and 12, but the exact timing varies from child to child. What matters most is maintaining good oral hygiene, regular dental visits at My Teeth and Me, and providing reassurance to your child along the way. Every wiggly tooth is a reminder that your child is growing and entering a new stage of life. With the right guidance and support, the transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth can be a smooth and positive experience. Most children lose their first tooth around 6 years old. The lower front teeth, or central incisors, usually fall out first. Not necessarily. Every child develops differently. If there’s concern, a dentist can check with an x-ray to confirm permanent teeth are on the way. Yes, in rare cases, a baby tooth may stay if there’s no permanent tooth underneath. A dentist should monitor this situation.Understanding Baby Teeth (Primary Teeth)
How Many Baby Teeth Do Children Have?
The Role of Baby Teeth in Development
Timeline of Baby Tooth Eruption
General Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth
Average Age Range for Tooth Loss
Which Teeth Usually Fall Out First
Order of Tooth Loss Through Childhood
Factors That Affect Timing
Genetics and Family History
Nutrition and Overall Health
Early or Delayed Tooth Eruption Patterns
Signs a Baby Tooth Is Ready to Fall Out
Looseness and Wiggling Teeth
Gum Changes Around the Tooth
Child Reporting Discomfort or Movement
Common Concerns for Parents
What If Baby Teeth Fall Out Too Early?
What If Baby Teeth Don’t Fall Out on Time?
Should Parents Ever Pull a Loose Tooth?
Permanent Teeth Development
Timeline of Permanent Teeth Eruption
How Permanent Teeth Push Out Baby Teeth
Impact of Crowding or Spacing Issues
Oral Health During the Transition
Proper Brushing and Flossing With Mixed Dentition
Importance of Fluoride and Diet Choices
Preventing Cavities in Permanent Teeth
Do You Lose All Your Baby Teeth?
Dental Visits and Monitoring
When to Schedule Checkups During Tooth Loss
X-Rays to Track Tooth Development
Orthodontic Evaluations in Early Stages
Special Situations That Affect Tooth Loss
Early Tooth Loss From Accidents or Decay
Delayed Tooth Loss and Impacted Permanent Teeth
Role of Space Maintainers in Pediatric Dentistry
Helping Children Through the Process
How to Encourage Kids With Wiggly Teeth
Making Tooth Loss a Positive Experience (Tooth Fairy Tradition)
Reassuring Anxious Children About Loose Teeth
Long-Term Considerations
How Early Tooth Loss Affects Alignment
Role of Orthodontics in Permanent Tooth Growth
Establishing Lifelong Dental Habits
My Teeth and Me: Guiding Families Through Every Stage
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Conclusion
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do most kids lose their first tooth?
What tooth usually falls out first?
Should I worry if my child loses teeth later than others?
Can a baby tooth stay in place permanently?
