Watching your child wiggle a loose tooth for the first time is one of those moments you never forget. I still remember my daughter running to me in a panic, thinking something was wrong.
When do kids start losing teeth? Most start around age 5 to 7, but every child is different.
In this guide, you’ll find a clear age-by-age breakdown, a tooth loss chart, and honest answers to the questions parents ask most.
From early tooth loss to delayed milestones, I’ve got you covered.
When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?
Most children begin losing baby teeth between ages 5 and 7, but the timeline can vary quite a bit from child to child.
Most kids lose their first tooth somewhere between age 5 and 7. Every child develops at their own pace, and both ends of that range are completely normal.
Genetics play a big role. If you or your partner lost teeth early, your child likely will too. Body size, nutrition, and overall development can also shift the timeline slightly.
Losing a tooth before age 5 is worth mentioning to your dentist, especially if there was no injury involved.
On the other hand, if your child hits age 7 or 8 with no loose teeth at all, bring it up at the next checkup. Delayed tooth loss is often genetic, but your dentist can confirm everything is on track.
When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth Chart (By Age)
A simple age-by-age breakdown to help parents track which teeth fall out and when.
Baby Teeth Loss Timeline (Ages 5 to 12)
Here is a general guide to the order and timing of baby tooth loss. Every child moves through this timeline at their own pace, and small variations are completely normal.
Ages 5 to 6: Early Looseners
The first wobble usually shows up around this age, and it can catch both kids and parents off guard.
The bottom front teeth are usually the first to go. Your child may come to you pointing at a tooth that feels different, which is a good sign things are moving along as they should.
The best thing to do is leave it alone and let it loosen naturally.
Ages 6 to 7: Central Incisors
This is the stage most parents picture when they think about kids losing teeth.
This is the most common window for losing the two front teeth on the bottom, followed closely by the top two. It is the classic gap-toothed school photo stage.
Some kids lose both front teeth within weeks of each other, while others space it out over several months.
Ages 7 to 8: Lateral Incisors
By now, most kids are completely used to the process and take it all in stride.
The teeth on either side of the front two come out next. These tend to loosen gradually, and kids usually handle this stage with a lot more confidence than the first time around.
Ages 9 to 11: Molars and Canines
This quieter stage often goes unnoticed, but it plays a big role in setting up the permanent smile.
The canines and first molars take a bit longer to loosen because they have deeper roots. Some kids barely notice, while others feel mild pressure for a short time.
Regular checkups are helpful during this phase.
Ages 10 to 12: Second Molars
These are the last baby teeth to go, and losing them marks the end of a big childhood milestone.
The second molars near the back are usually the final ones to fall out. Once they are gone, the full set of permanent teeth will gradually settle into place over the next few years.
Which Teeth Fall Out First?
Baby teeth do not fall out randomly. There is a set order, and knowing it can help parents know what to expect.
Lower Central Incisors
The two bottom front teeth are almost always first. They tend to get loose around age 5 or 6.
Most kids notice a wobble before any other tooth, and these usually fall out on their own within a few weeks of getting loose. It is often the tooth that kicks off the whole tooth fairy tradition.
Upper Central Incisors
The top two front teeth follow shortly after, giving kids that well-known gap-tooth look. This usually happens around age 6 to 7.
The permanent teeth replacing them are noticeably larger, so it is normal to see a bit of crowding or shifting as they settle in.
Side Teeth and Back Teeth
After the front teeth, the lateral incisors on the sides come next. Then, over the following years, the canines and molars gradually work their way out.
This part of the process is slower and spreads across several years, typically wrapping up somewhere between ages 10 and 12. By the end, all 20 baby teeth have been replaced by permanent ones.
Signs Your Child Is About to Lose a Tooth
Knowing what to look for makes the whole process a lot less stressful for both kids and parents.
Early Signs of Loose Teeth
Wiggling Your child may start playing with a tooth using their tongue, which usually means they have noticed it moving.
Mild Discomfort Some kids feel a dull ache around a loose tooth. This is normal and usually mild.
Gum Redness The gum around the tooth may look slightly irritated as the tooth begins to separate from it.
What Parents Should (and Shouldn’t) Do
Let Teeth Fall Out Naturally The best thing you can do is let the process happen on its own. Teeth usually fall out without any help, often while eating or brushing.
Avoid Forced Removal Pulling a tooth before it is ready can hurt, cause bleeding, and increase the risk of infection. If a tooth is loose but not quite ready, just give it more time.
The old string-on-a-doorknob trick is more drama than it is worth.
How to Care for Your Child’s Teeth During This Phase
Good habits during the tooth-losing years can set your child up for a lifetime of healthy teeth.
Kids should brush twice a day with a soft-bristled toothbrush.
Flossing still matters even after baby teeth fall out gaps and new permanent teeth need attention too. Use a fluoride toothpaste suited to your child’s age to protect incoming permanent teeth.
Cut back on sugary drinks and snacks, which are the biggest cause of cavities. Water is the best choice, especially after meals.
For snacks, reach for crunchy fruits and vegetables like apples and carrots, or calcium-rich options like cheese and yogurt to support strong enamel.
Tips for Parents During the Tooth-Losing Stage
The tooth-losing years can bring up big feelings for kids. A little preparation goes a long way.
- Talk calmly about what to expect so kids know there is nothing to fear. Simple, honest language takes the mystery out of it.
- Remember that both excitement and anxiety are normal reactions. Meet your child where they are.
- Use the Tooth Fairy tradition to make losing a tooth feel like a celebration worth looking forward to.
- Turn brushing into a routine rather than a battle with a fun toothbrush, a two-minute timer, or a small reward chart.
- The shift to permanent teeth is a great time to reinforce good dental habits that will stick for life.
Conclusion
If there is one thing I want you to take away from this guide, it is that every child’s timeline is a little different, and that is okay.
My own kids lost their first teeth at completely different ages, and both turned out just fine.
When do kids start losing teeth? Most start between 5 and 7, but anywhere in that window is normal.
Keep up with regular dental checkups, encourage good brushing habits, and try to enjoy the gap-toothed smiles while they last.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When do kids start losing teeth on average?
Most children lose their first tooth between ages 5 and 7, usually starting with the lower front teeth.
Is it normal for kids to lose teeth at age 5?
Yes, it’s on the early side but still normal. A quick dentist visit can confirm everything looks good.
Which tooth falls out first?
The two bottom front teeth almost always go first, typically around ages 5 to 6.
What if my child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 7?
Some kids are just late bloomers. If there are no loose teeth by age 7 or 8, mention it at your next dental checkup.
Should loose teeth be pulled out?
Let them fall out on their own. Forcing it can cause pain and irritation. If a tooth has been very loose for weeks, check in with your dentist.
