What Age Do Children Lose Teeth?

Most children start losing their baby teeth at around age 6. It usually begins with the front teeth, which may feel a little loose for days or even weeks before they finally come out. Then another one wobbles.. Another.

There isn’t a birthday when this happens though. Some children lose their tooth shortly before turning six while others don’t see a loose tooth until they’re seven. Both can be completely normal.

When Do Children Usually Lose Their Baby Teeth?

The first teeth to go are often the front teeth. The adult teeth underneath are getting ready to come so the roots of the baby teeth gradually dissolve. The tooth loosens because it no longer has the support.

After that the upper front teeth commonly follow. Over the few years more baby teeth become loose as the adult teeth move into position. By around age 12 or 13 most children have lost all their baby teeth. Have their adult set in place.

A Rough Guide By Age

• Around age 6 the lower front teeth are often the first to wobble although some children take a little longer.

• Ages 7 to 8 usually bring changes around the front of the mouth. Those gaps can look surprisingly big for a while.

• Around 9 to 12 children commonly lose teeth back as their adult teeth continue replacing the baby ones.

• By 12 or 13 most baby teeth have gone. There are exceptions. They’re not automatically a problem.

Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

It looks a bit strange when you think about whats happening. An adult tooth is sitting underneath the baby tooth slowly moving towards its place. As it develops the baby tooths root gets broken down. Eventually there isn’t root left to hold it firmly.

So the tooth starts moving.

Yes children often can’t stop touching it with their tongue. Most parents have seen this. It’s almost impossible for a child with a tooth to leave it alone.

Does The Timing Matter?

A little,. Theres no need to compare your child with every other child in their class. Tooth development has its timetable and being slightly earlier or later doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong.

If a child is much younger than expected and losing teeth without an obvious reason it’s worth speaking with a dentist. The same goes if a tooth hasn’t appeared after a baby tooth has fallen out and you’re concerned, about the delay.

What If A Child Doesn’t Lose Teeth At Six?

Don’t panic. Six is a not a deadline.

Some children simply start later. Family patterns also matter,. If you or your partner lost baby teeth relatively late your child may follow a similar timeline.

If a baby tooth becomes loose let it come out naturally when possible. Pulling it early usually isn’t necessary. A wobbly tooth is annoying, sure. It generally gets out of the way when its ready.