Most children's teeth stop falling out around the age of 12. This is when all their baby teeth have been replaced by permanent adult teeth. However, the process begins much earlier, typically around age 6, and continues gradually until all 20 baby teeth are shed. While some children may start losing teeth as early as age 4 or 5, and others a little later, the completion of the process usually occurs by age 12.
The Timeline of Tooth Loss
- Ages 6-7: The incisors (front teeth) are usually the first to fall out.
- Ages 7-12: The remaining baby teeth, including molars and canines, gradually loosen and fall out.
- Age 12: By this age, almost all children will have completed the process of losing their baby teeth.
The timing can vary slightly between children, but a significant delay beyond age 12 might warrant a check-up with a dentist to rule out any underlying issues. It's important to note that this refers to the shedding of baby teeth. Adult teeth, barring accidents or disease, remain for a lifetime.
References confirm this timeline:
- "Your baby will begin to gain teeth around 6 months of age, and this will continue until around the age of 3. From the age of 6, your child will eventually lose all of their baby teeth by the time they're 12 years old."
- "Your child's primary teeth typically fall out between the ages of 6 and 12 years old."
- "By the time your child hits puberty, all of the baby teeth…fall out at age 12."
