Reviewed by Dr. Kari Badwi
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Reading time: three minutes
Losing baby teeth is an important part of your child’s growth and development, but every child follows their own timeline. Knowing what to expect can help you recognize when development is progressing normally and when it may be worth scheduling a visit with a pediatric dentist.
Table of Contents
The Typical Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age six and continue losing baby teeth until about age 12. However, every child develops at their own pace, so it is completely normal for some children to start a little earlier or later.
What Order Do Baby Teeth Fall Out In?
In most cases, baby teeth fall out in roughly the same order they erupted. A tooth that falls out a few months before or after these ranges is usually not a cause for concern.
The typical timeline looks like this:
- 6 to 7 years: Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) and upper central incisors (top front teeth)
- 7 to 8 years: Lateral incisors
- 9 to 11 years: First molars
- 9 to 12 years: Canines (cuspids)
- 10 to 12 years: Second molars
Every child develops at their own pace, but many parents find it helpful to have a general timeline for reference.
What If My Child’s Baby Teeth Are Not Falling Out?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age six, but there is a wide range of normal. Some children start a little earlier, while others may not lose their first tooth until age seven or later.
However, it may be worth scheduling an evaluation if:
- Your child is significantly older than expected and has not lost any baby teeth.
- A permanent tooth is erupting behind or beside a baby tooth that remains firmly in place.
- A baby tooth has been loose for an unusually long time without falling out.
- You have concerns about crowding or tooth development.
During your child’s visit, we can evaluate how the permanent teeth are developing and determine whether any treatment is needed.
Should You Pull A Loose Baby Tooth?
Most baby teeth fall out naturally and do not need help. Gentle wiggling is fine if the tooth is already loose, but it is best to avoid pulling on a tooth that is still firmly attached. Forcing a tooth out too early can cause discomfort and may irritate the surrounding tissue.
If your child’s loose tooth is causing pain or does not seem to be progressing normally, contact our office for advice.
Monitoring Your Child’s Dental Development
Losing baby teeth is only one part of your child’s oral development. Regular dental visits allow your pediatric dentist to monitor tooth eruption, jaw growth, bite development, and spacing as permanent teeth come in.
At BabyTooth, Dr. Kari and Dr. Riley evaluate growth and development at every visit. Early identification of concerns such as delayed eruption, crowding, or missing teeth can help families make informed decisions as their child grows.
Pediatric Dentist In SE Calgary
If you have questions about loose baby teeth, delayed tooth loss, or your child’s dental development, the team at BabyTooth is here to help.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in SE Calgary, call (403) 873-1414 or visit us at 290 Midpark Way SE #200, Calgary, AB T2X 1P1.
FAQ
Is it normal to lose baby teeth at age five?
Yes, some children begin losing baby teeth as early as age five, while others do not start until age seven or later.
What happens if a baby tooth will not fall out?
A pediatric dentist can determine whether the permanent tooth is developing and erupting properly and whether treatment is needed.
Can permanent teeth come in before a baby tooth falls out?
This commonly occurs behind the lower front baby teeth. A pediatric dentist can determine whether the baby tooth needs to be removed or monitored.
How many baby teeth do children lose?
Children have 20 baby teeth, and all of them are normally replaced by permanent teeth.
