The first wiggly tooth. It’s a milestone that brings excitement, a little nervousness, and maybe even a tear or two from Mom and Dad. But it also brings questions: When do baby teeth fall out? Is this happening too early? Too late? Is it normal for the permanent tooth to already be coming in behind it?
You’re not alone in wondering. At Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park, Dr. Allie Miller hears these questions from parents all the time. The good news is that most of the time, everything is right on track. Here’s what you need to know about the natural process of losing baby teeth.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? The Typical Timeline
Most kids start losing their baby teeth around age 6. But “typical” covers a pretty wide range. Some children lose their first tooth as early as 4, while others don’t start until age 7 or 8.
Here’s the general order you can expect:
- Around age 6: The lower front teeth (central incisors) usually go first. The upper front teeth follow soon after.
- Between 7 and 8: The lateral incisors, the teeth next to the front ones, start to loosen and fall out.
- Between 9 and 11: The first molars and canines (the pointy teeth) make their exit.
- Between 10 and 12: The second molars, which are the farthest back teeth, are the last to go.
- By age 12 or 13: Most kids have all 28 of their permanent teeth. (Wisdom teeth come later, if they come at all.)
What’s Normal and What’s Not
What if a permanent tooth comes in before the baby tooth has fallen out? You might see two rows of teeth. It’s called “shark teeth,” and it’s actually pretty common. Usually, the baby tooth loosens and falls out on its own within a few weeks. If it doesn’t, Dr. Miller might recommend removing it to give the new tooth room to come in straight.
When to call the dentist:
- Your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 7 or 8
- A permanent tooth comes in, but the baby tooth isn’t loose at all
- The tooth comes out, but it looks like part of it is still there
- Your child has pain or swelling in the area
Shedding Teeth the Natural Way
The best way for a tooth to come out is naturally. That means letting it wiggle and fall out on its own, usually while eating or brushing.
We don’t recommend pulling a tooth before it’s ready. That can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding. Instead, encourage your child to wiggle it gently with their tongue or clean fingers. The tooth will come out when it’s ready.
If your child is nervous, remind them that losing baby teeth is part of growing up. It’s exciting, not scary. A little wiggle each day makes it feel less mysterious.
A Note on Brushing and Flossing
Even as teeth are falling out, home care still matters. Keep brushing and flossing around loose teeth and the new ones coming in. A permanent tooth needs just as much care as a baby tooth, and it has to last a lot longer.
What About the Tooth Fairy?
That’s up to you. But we do know one thing: kids love having a story to tell. Whether it’s a special note, a small reward, or just a big celebration, making the experience positive helps your child feel good about dental visits, and that’s a habit that lasts a lifetime.
When in Doubt, Ask Dr. Miller
Every child is different. If you’re ever unsure whether your child’s tooth loss is on track, don’t wait. A quick visit to Dr. Miller can give you peace of mind and make sure everything is developing the way it should.
Wondering if your child’s teeth are coming in on schedule? Call Pediatric Dentistry of Winter Park today. Dr. Miller will take a gentle look and answer all your questions.