Losing baby teeth is a big milestone in your child’s life — and for many parents, it raises a lot of questions. When does it start? What’s normal? Should you be concerned if it’s early or late?
Here’s what you need to know about when baby teeth typically start falling out, what to expect, and when to talk to your child’s dentist.
When Do Baby Teeth Usually Start to Fall Out?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) between the ages of 5 and 7. However, every child is different — and a few months earlier or later can still be perfectly normal.
The general pattern is:
- Lower front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to go, followed by:
- Upper front teeth
- Then, the molars and canines gradually fall out over the next several years
By age 12 or 13, most kids will have lost all their baby teeth and have nearly a full set of adult (permanent) teeth.
What Causes Baby Teeth to Fall Out?
Baby teeth start to loosen and fall out naturally when the permanent teeth underneath begin to push through the gums. This is part of normal growth and development — and the process typically follows the same order as when the baby teeth first came in.
Signs a Baby Tooth Is Ready to Fall Out
You’ll know it’s time when:
- The tooth becomes wiggly or loose
- Your child may wiggle it with their tongue or fingers
- You may notice the adult tooth starting to come in behind or below it
Encourage your child to gently wiggle the tooth if it’s loose — but don’t force it. Pulling a tooth too early can cause pain, bleeding, or infection.
When to See a Dentist
While most baby teeth fall out naturally, you should schedule a dental visit if:
- A loose tooth is causing pain or won’t come out
- A permanent tooth is coming in but the baby tooth hasn’t loosened
- Teeth are falling out very early (before age 4) or very late (after age 8)
- Your child experiences trauma to the mouth (falls, sports injuries, etc.)
Your dentist can assess if everything is on track and provide guidance or treatment if needed.
How to Care for the Gaps
As teeth fall out and adult teeth grow in, it’s important to:
- Continue brushing twice a day with a child-sized toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste
- Floss daily to keep the surrounding teeth healthy
- Maintain regular dental check-ups every 6 months
- Eat a balanced diet with limited sugary snacks or drinks
Even though baby teeth are temporary, they play a vital role in your child’s speech, chewing, and guiding adult teeth into position — so keeping them healthy is still important until they’re ready to go.
Final Thoughts
Baby teeth usually start to fall out around age 5 or 6, but every child is unique. Losing teeth is a natural part of growing up — and with good care and regular dental visits, you can help your child enjoy this exciting phase with a healthy, happy smile.
Have questions about your child’s baby teeth? We’re here to help.
Our clinic offers gentle, kid-friendly dental care to support your child’s oral health from their first tooth to their last baby tooth. Book a check-up today — we love seeing little smiles grow up strong!