Losing Baby Teeth: When They Fall Out, What to Expect & When to Worry

The Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth

Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage that starts around age 6 and continues through age 12. Most kids are thrilled about the Tooth Fairy visits, but parents often have questions about the timing, the order, and what is normal versus concerning. Here is the complete guide to this perfectly natural process.

Which Teeth Fall Out First

The lower central incisors (bottom front teeth) are almost always first to go, around age 6-7. The upper central incisors follow soon after. Then the lateral incisors (the teeth next to the front ones) loosen around age 7-8. First molars shed around age 9-11, canines around age 9-12, and second molars around age 10-12. The same order they came in is roughly the order they fall out.

What Is Normal and What Is Not

A tooth being loose for weeks or even a couple months is normal — let it come out on its own. Slight bleeding when a tooth falls out is normal and stops quickly with gentle pressure. A permanent tooth growing in behind a baby tooth (shark teeth) is common and usually resolves when the baby tooth falls out. But a baby tooth knocked out by trauma before its time should be evaluated by a dentist to ensure the permanent tooth below is not damaged.

When to Call the Dentist

If a baby tooth has not loosened by age 8, see your dentist — it may need help. If a permanent tooth has not appeared within 6 months of the baby tooth falling out, an X-ray can check its progress. If a baby tooth is lost very early (before age 4-5) due to decay or injury, a space maintainer may be needed to prevent crowding when the permanent tooth arrives.