When do kids lose their baby teeth?

When do kids lose their first tooth?

Children typically begin losing their baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, around age 6. This process continues until about age 12 when they lose their second set of molars.

Why do kids lose their baby teeth?

Children lose their baby teeth to make room for permanent teeth. Baby teeth act as placeholders and hold space for adult teeth to erupt into their final positions in the dental arch. While tooth loss is a normal part of development, factors like cavities, injury, or certain health conditions like diabetes and periodontal problems can accelerate it.

Dental decay, a leading cause of early tooth loss, can damage the tooth structure enough to require extraction. Trauma from falls or accidents can also cause premature loss of baby teeth.

Which teeth are first to fall out?

The bottom front teeth, known as the mandibular central incisors, are usually the first baby teeth to fall out. The typical timeline for losing baby teeth generally follows this pattern:

1. Mandibular central incisors
2. Central incisors
3. Lateral incisors
4. First molars
5. Canines
6. Second molars  

While the timing and sequence can vary from child to child, the general pattern is consistent.

Tips to help discomfort and pain when losing teeth

• Pain relief: Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help manage pain.
• Cold compress: A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can reduce swelling and numb the area for temporary relief.
• Oral hygiene: Gently brush and rinse with warm salt water to avoid irritation and keep the oral cavity clean.
• Soft foods: If your child has a loose tooth, serve soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or mashed potatoes to prevent aggravation when chewing.
• Distraction: To distract your child from the pain, keep them busy with fun activities like reading, playing games, or watching movies.
• Reassurance: Talking to your child about losing teeth can help ease their anxiety.

How to safely dislodge a tooth

To help safely loosen a tooth, encourage your child to wiggle it with their tongue or clean fingers gently. This can help it come out without causing much discomfort. If the tooth is already loose, you can use a clean piece of gauze to grip it and gently twist it out. This way, you’ll have more control and reduce the risk of hurting their surrounding gums.

The tooth fairy

Some families use the story of the "Tooth Fairy" to make losing baby teeth more fun and less intimidating. For many kids, it adds a bit of magic to this big-kid milestone and gives them something exciting to look forward to.

Permanent teeth

Kids start growing permanent teeth, or adult teeth, at age 6, around the same time they lose their baby teeth. The first teeth to erupt are the molars. In total, there will be 32 permanent teeth.

When to see a dentist

Schedule a visit with a pediatric dentist if your child:

• Experiences ongoing tooth pain or discomfort
• Shows swellings, redness, or signs of infection around loose teeth or the gums
• Has a primary tooth that stays loose for an extended period without falling out or if a permanent tooth begins erupting behind it
• Has signs of dental trauma that results in a loose tooth