When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth? What’s Normal, What’s Not
Reviewed by Dr. Paul Rubin, DDS
Watching your child lose their first tooth is a major milestone and an exciting time for both child and parent.
For some kids, it is a fun experience involving the tooth fairy and a small reward under their pillow. However, for many parents, it also raises a few concerns.
“Is my child losing their teeth too early? What if their adult teeth do not come in as expected?”
In this blog, we will walk you through the normal timeline for tooth loss, factors that can affect this process, and when it may be time to consult your pediatric dentist.
Table of Contents
Key Takeaway
If your child begins losing teeth between the ages of 6 and 12, it is completely normal and part of their natural development. However, if your child starts losing teeth before age 4 or has not lost any by age 8, it may indicate an issue that should be evaluated by a pediatric dentist.
The Normal Timeline of Tooth Development and Loss
Most children will begin losing their primary teeth around the age of six, although some may start as early as four or as late as seven.
The first to go are typically the lower central incisors (those middle teeth at the bottom), followed closely by the upper central incisors. From there, the rest of the teeth will follow a general pattern:
- Ages 6–7: Lower and upper central incisors
- Ages 7–8: Lateral incisors
- Ages 9–12: First molars and canine teeth (the sharp ones)
- Ages 10–12: Second molars
By the time your child is 12 or 13, most of their permanent adult teeth should have emerged. However, wisdom teeth, or third molars, will not make an appearance until the late teen years, and in some cases, not at all.
Factors That Affect the Timeline
Several factors can affect when and how your child loses their baby teeth.
- Genetics: Like many aspects of child development, genetics play a role in tooth eruption. If you or your partner experienced delayed tooth loss, your child might too.
- Dental health: Conditions like tooth decay in primary teeth can lead to premature tooth loss, which may affect the alignment of permanent teeth. Regular dental checkups can help identify and treat issues before they become serious.
- Nutrition: A balanced diet with plenty of lean proteins, calcium, and vitamins is crucial for healthy tooth development. A diet heavy in sugary snacks can lead to decay in baby teeth and other dental issues.
Signs of Abnormal Tooth Loss
The tooth loss process is generally straightforward, but there are signs that something may be wrong.
Late or Delayed Tooth Loss
If your child is eight or older and has not started losing teeth, this could indicate an issue such as delayed tooth eruption.
Sometimes, the permanent teeth are ready to come in but are blocked by decayed baby teeth or crowded teeth.
Premature Loss
Losing baby teeth too early can be caused by excessive tooth decay or trauma.
If this happens, your pediatric dentist may recommend a space maintainer to ensure the adjacent teeth do not shift and create alignment problems for the future adult teeth.
Pain and Discomfort
Losing a tooth should not cause a great deal of pain, but mild discomfort is normal.
If your child is experiencing pain or swelling around a loose baby tooth, this could be a sign of infection or gum disease. In these cases, it is best to schedule a dental appointment for a proper assessment.
Tips for Parents During Tooth Loss
As your child’s baby teeth start to wiggle and fall out, there are several things you can do to make the process smoother.
- Encourage gentle wiggling: Let your child gently wiggle their loose teeth. If they pull too hard, it could cause unnecessary pain or bleeding.
- Keep the area clean: It is important to maintain good oral hygiene even during this stage. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and rinse with water after meals.
- Help with removal: If a loose tooth is hanging by a thread, you can use a clean piece of gauze to gently twist and pull it out. There may be minimal bleeding, but this should stop quickly.
- Provide soft foods: After a tooth falls out, your child may prefer to eat soft foods like mashed potatoes or yogurt for a day or two to avoid irritating the sensitive area.
The Role of a Pediatric Dentist
Your pediatric dentist is your partner in maintaining your child’s dental health.
Regular dental visits are important not only for monitoring the loss of baby teeth but also for preventing dental caries and ensuring proper alignment of the permanent teeth.
At each visit, your dentist will evaluate your child’s dental development and may apply dental sealants to protect the permanent molars from decay.
If your child is experiencing late tooth loss, severe discomfort, or any other concerns with their oral health, consult with a pediatric dentist. They will assess whether there are any underlying dental issues or systemic issues like blood disorders that could be affecting the tooth eruption process.
Lonestar Kid’s Dentistry: Your Pediatric Dentist in McKinney, TX
As your child begins to lose their baby teeth and transition to permanent teeth, regular dental checkups become even more important.
Monitoring the tooth loss process ensures that their adult teeth come in properly, helping to prevent alignment issues and potential complications down the road.To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in McKinney, TX, call (214) 436-5555 or complete the online contact form. If you are in the area, stop in and say hello! We are located at 5323 W University Dr #100 McKinney, TX 75071.