Children typically begin losing their baby teeth around age 5 or 6. However, this can vary, with some children starting as late as age 7. The process continues until all 20 baby teeth are replaced by permanent teeth, usually by around age 12. The order of tooth loss generally mirrors the order of eruption (coming in).
The Timeline of Baby Tooth Loss
- Ages 5-7: The first teeth to usually fall out are the lower central incisors, followed by the upper central incisors.
- Ages 6-8: Many children experience the majority of their baby tooth loss during this period. There's often a pause in shedding for several years.
- Ages 9-12: The last baby teeth to typically fall out are the canines and second molars.
Variations in Timing
While the average age for the first tooth to fall out is around 6, it's considered normal for this to occur anytime between ages 5 and 7. Delay in tooth loss beyond age 7 might warrant a check-up with a dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues. Similarly, the completion of the process may extend to age 13 or 14 in some cases.
Multiple sources corroborate this information: The Mayo Clinic states baby teeth fall out around age 6 to make way for permanent teeth. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/childrens-health/expert-answers/baby-teeth/faq-20058532 Another source indicates that most children lose their first tooth between ages 5 and 6. https://www.clintonkidsdentist.com/when-do-children-start-losing-teeth/ The Super Dentists confirm that children generally start losing teeth around 6 and finish by 12. https://www.thesuperdentists.com/when-do-kids-start-losing-teeth/
