When Do Baby Teeth Typically Fall Out?

Most children begin losing their primary (baby) teeth around age 5 or 6. The lower front teeth are usually the first to go, followed closely by the top front teeth. This natural process continues until about age 12, when most permanent teeth have taken their place.

However, every child is different. Some kids start a little earlier or later—and that’s usually nothing to worry about. What’s more important is that teeth fall out in a predictable pattern and are replaced by healthy, properly aligned permanent teeth.

Why Tooth Timing Matters

You might wonder: if baby teeth are meant to fall out, why does the timing matter? The answer lies in how the mouth develops.

• Guides for Permanent Teeth: Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. If a baby tooth falls out too early, neighboring teeth can shift, causing alignment issues.

• Signals of Development: Early or delayed tooth loss can sometimes point to underlying developmental concerns, such as hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or dental trauma.

• Orthodontic Insight: Dentists use the timing of tooth loss to predict whether a child may need braces or early orthodontic intervention.

What’s Considered Normal?

Here’s a rough timeline for baby tooth loss:

• Ages 5–7: Central incisors (front teeth) begin to fall out

• Ages 7–8: Lateral incisors fall out

• Ages 9–12: Canines and molars begin to loosen and shed

• By Age 13: Most permanent teeth are in place

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If your child loses teeth too early—especially molars—or if no teeth have fallen out by age 7, it’s worth bringing up at your next visit to your kids dentistry provider in Sedona, AZ.

How Parents Can Support the Process

• Be Patient: Let baby teeth fall out naturally. Avoid pulling them out too soon, which can harm the gums or surrounding teeth.

• Keep It Clean: Continue brushing and flossing, even around loose teeth.

• Encourage Healthy Habits: Limit sticky or sugary snacks that can lead to cavities during this sensitive transition.

• Visit the Dentist Regularly: Routine exams help ensure the transition from baby to adult teeth is on track.

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When to Call the Dentist

Reach out to your pediatric dentist if you notice:

• A tooth is loose but hasn’t fallen out for many months

• Permanent teeth are coming in behind baby teeth (creating a double row)

• Teeth fall out much earlier or later than expected

• Your child experiences pain, swelling, or discoloration around a loose tooth

At Molar Opposites Sedona, we specialize in tracking and supporting healthy tooth transitions. Our team is trained to spot issues early and provide gentle, expert care that keeps your child’s smile developing the right way.

Final Thoughts

Tooth loss may seem like a small thing, but the timing matters more than many parents realize. By staying informed and visiting a trusted kids dentistry provider in Sedona, AZ, you can help ensure that your child’s growing smile stays strong, straight, and healthy for years to come.

Have questions about your child’s tooth timeline?Schedule a visit with Molar Opposites Sedona and let our team guide you through every stage of your child’s dental journey.