As parents, we celebrate so many exciting milestones with our kids—the first smile, the first steps, the first words. But when it comes to losing baby teeth, it can feel like uncharted territory.
One minute they’re sporting an adorable toothless grin, and the next they’re excitedly wiggling a loose tooth, eager for a visit from the Tooth Fairy.
So, when exactly do kids stop losing those baby teeth, anyway?
The Baby Tooth Timeline
Each child is unique and will lose their baby teeth on their own timeline. However, there is a general pattern that most children follow:
- Central incisors: The first teeth to fall out are usually the lower central incisors, which happen around age 6 or 7. The upper central incisors follow soon after.
- Lateral incisors: Next up are the lateral incisors, with the upper ones typically falling out first between the ages of 7 and 8.
- Primary first molars: These molars are usually shed between the ages of 9 and 11.
- Canines and primary second molars: The last baby teeth to go are the canines (between ages 9 and 12) and the primary second molars (between ages 10 and 12).
By the time your child reaches 13, they should have a full set of permanent teeth, minus the wisdom teeth, which may come in during their late teens.
Why Do We Have Baby Teeth, Anyway?
Baby teeth are like tiny placeholders in the jaw, saving space for the permanent teeth to come in later. They help kids chew and speak properly in those early years.
But when it’s time for the big kid teeth to make their debut, the roots of the baby teeth dissolve until they’re loose and fall out. The permanent tooth is right there ready to slide into place.
Losing Teeth: Fun or Frightening?
For some kids, having a loose tooth is SO exciting. They can’t wait to wiggle it, show it off to their friends, and dream about what the Tooth Fairy might leave under their pillow.
But for other kids, the idea of a tooth falling out can be unsettling or even scary. Validate those feelings and offer lots of reassurance that it’s a totally normal part of growing up.
If there’s a little bleeding, have your child gently rinse with water and bite down on some gauze until it stops.
Caring For Those New Permanent Teeth
Once those beautiful permanent teeth start coming in, it’s the perfect time to reinforce good dental hygiene habits.
Make sure your child is brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and keeping up with their regular dental checkups.
And just because those baby teeth are temporary doesn’t mean they can be neglected! Baby teeth reserve the space for permanent teeth and help guide them into position.
If a baby tooth is lost too early from decay or injury, the surrounding teeth may drift, not leaving enough room for the permanent tooth to come in properly.
So keep encouraging those healthy habits right from the start.
What If Your Child’s Teeth Come In Late?
Maybe your child is nearing their 7th birthday and hasn’t lost a single tooth while their classmates are getting visits from the Tooth Fairy left and right. Try not to worry. Some kids are just late bloomers in the tooth department.
If your child’s teeth were slow to come in, they’ll probably be late to fall out too.
But if you’re concerned that your child is really lagging behind, it never hurts to check with your dentist. They can make sure everything is on track and there aren’t any underlying issues.
Embracing The (Sometimes Awkward) In-Between Stage
There’s no denying it—losing baby teeth can leave your kid with an awkward, jack-o-lantern smile for a while. Some are self-conscious about having a conspicuous gap in their smile.
If it bothers them, you can ask your dentist about using a space maintainer until the permanent tooth comes in.
Or you can do what I did with my daughter—embrace her unique smile, gaps and all! We talked about how it’s just a short season in her life and nothing to feel embarrassed about. Before we knew it, her big kid teeth were filling in those spaces.
The Last Baby Tooth Hurrah
So when will your child lose that very last baby tooth? Again, it varies, but it’s usually one of the second molars in the very back of the mouth. By age 12 or 13, most kids have said goodbye to all their baby teeth.
And those last few teeth can be tricky. They don’t always get loose and fall out easily on their own.
If a stubborn baby tooth is still hanging on while the permanent tooth is trying to come in, your dentist may need to extract it. But that’s pretty rare.
The Bottom Line On Baby Teeth
Losing baby teeth is a natural part of your child’s development, and it’s usually nothing to worry about.
By keeping up with good oral hygiene habits and regular dental check-ups, you can help ensure that your child’s permanent teeth come in healthy and strong.
So, when the tooth fairy starts making her rounds, embrace the excitement and enjoy this special milestone with your child. And if you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to your pediatric dentist for guidance.
Now it’s your turn! When did your kids start losing their baby teeth? Do you have any fun tooth fairy traditions in your family? Share your stories and tips in the comments below!
