When Do Kids Lose Baby Teeth? Timeline

Children lose their 20 baby teeth between roughly ages 6 and 12, in about the same order they arrived: lower front teeth first (around 6-7), then upper front teeth, then the side teeth, canines, and finally the baby molars (around 10-12). Girls often start a little earlier than boys. A year of variation in either direction is usually fine — the pattern matters more than the exact birthday. I tell parents that losing teeth is a sign the jaw is growing right on schedule — it is one of the healthiest things a growing mouth does.

The timeline tooth by tooth

Central incisors: 6-7 years. Lateral incisors: 7-8 years. First baby molars: 9-11 years. Canines: 9-12 years. Second baby molars: 10-12 years. The permanent teeth underneath dissolve the baby roots and push them out — which is why a wiggly tooth means the adult tooth is on its way. Do not be surprised if the new permanent teeth look bigger and slightly more yellow than the baby teeth were — that is normal, and they settle into proportion as the jaw keeps growing.

When timing needs a look

See me if a baby tooth falls out much earlier than expected (injury or decay can steal space the permanent tooth still needs), or if a permanent tooth is erupting while the baby tooth is still firmly in place. At regular checkups I track the whole sequence, using radiographs only when clinically useful to confirm the adult teeth are developing underneath. Also worth a visit: a gap where a tooth was lost but nothing erupts for more than six months — sometimes the permanent tooth just needs a look underneath.

Protecting the space

When a baby tooth is lost early, neighboring teeth drift into the gap and can block the permanent tooth. That is when a space maintainer earns its keep — a small device that holds the spot until the adult tooth is ready. It is one of the simplest ways to prevent bigger orthodontic problems later. Questions about your child's timeline? Call 212-561-5303. A space maintainer is passive and painless — most kids forget it is there within a day or two, and it comes out the moment the permanent tooth is ready to take its place.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it okay to pull a wiggly baby tooth at home?

If it is very loose, gentle wiggling is fine. Never force a tooth that is still firmly attached — it is not ready.

What if my child swallows a baby tooth?

No harm done. Baby teeth are tiny and pass naturally — just reassure your child.

My 5-year-old is losing teeth already. Is that too early?

A little early is usually fine, especially if the pattern looks normal. Mention it at the next checkup so we can confirm.

Do lost baby teeth need to be saved?

Only if your dentist asks. Otherwise, the tooth fairy protocol applies.