Baby teeth fall out in a fairly predictable order, though the exact timing varies from child to child. Most kids lose their first tooth around age six, and the process continues gradually until around age twelve or thirteen.
At Kool Koala Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry, our pediatric dentistry team guides families across New Jersey and Delaware through every stage of this transition. Knowing the typical timeline helps you tell normal development apart from something worth a closer look.
The Typical Order Baby Teeth Fall Out
Tooth loss usually follows the same pattern children’s teeth came in, starting at the front of the mouth and working back.
- Ages 5 to 7: lower and upper central incisors, the bottom and top front teeth
- Ages 7 to 8: lateral incisors, the teeth beside the front ones
- Ages 9 to 11: first molars
- Ages 9 to 12: canines
- Ages 10 to 13: second molars, usually the last to go
Individual variation is completely normal. Genetics plays a role, so a child whose parent lost teeth early or late often follows a similar pattern, and girls tend to lose baby teeth slightly earlier than boys on average.
Signs a Tooth Is Ready to Come Out
Looseness is the clearest sign, as the permanent tooth underneath gradually dissolves the baby tooth’s roots. The surrounding gum may look slightly swollen, and mild sensitivity is common as a tooth loosens, though pain that interferes with eating or sleeping is worth a dental visit. A little bleeding when the tooth comes out is normal and usually stops within a few minutes with gentle pressure from clean gauze.
When Early or Late Tooth Loss Needs Attention
Losing a tooth before age four can point to trauma or an underlying issue, and premature loss can disrupt spacing for the permanent tooth coming in, sometimes requiring a space maintainer. On the other end, if your child reaches age eight without losing any teeth, especially when peers already have, it is worth mentioning at their next dental exam, since x-rays can confirm whether permanent teeth are developing normally underneath. Occasionally a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that has not loosened yet, creating a double row parents call “shark teeth.” This often resolves on its own within a few weeks, though a persistent case may need professional removal.
Caring for Teeth During the Transition
Keep brushing loose teeth gently with a soft-bristled brush, since newly emerged permanent teeth are especially vulnerable to cavities while they finish settling in. Softer foods like pasta, eggs, or cooked vegetables can help if multiple loose teeth make chewing uncomfortable. New permanent teeth often look larger and slightly more yellow than the baby teeth they replace, which is normal since they contain more dentin, and the difference becomes less noticeable as more permanent teeth come in.
Baby Teeth Frequently Asked Questions
What age do kids usually start losing baby teeth
Most children lose their first tooth around age six, though anywhere from four to seven is within the typical range depending on the child.
Is it normal for a tooth to stay loose for weeks
Yes, some teeth hang on for days or even weeks before coming out. It is best to let it happen naturally rather than pulling a tooth before it is ready.
What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth early
Keep the tooth moist and bring your child in for an evaluation. A knocked-out baby tooth does not need reimplantation, but the impact can affect the permanent tooth developing underneath.
Why does my child have a double row of teeth
This happens when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that has not loosened yet, sometimes called shark teeth. It often resolves on its own within a few weeks as the baby tooth loosens.
Kool Koala Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry Supports Your Child Through Tooth Loss
Tracking your child’s tooth loss timeline at regular visits helps catch anything unusual early, when it is easiest to address. Our team at Kool Koala Pediatric & Adolescent Dentistry sees this transition every day across our Collingswood, Deptford, Vineland, and Bear offices, and we can answer specific questions about your child’s own pace of development.
If your child’s tooth loss seems earlier, later, or different than expected, you can request an appointment with our team to have it checked.
