Your child’s smile changes so quickly — one day you’re celebrating their first tooth, and before you know it, that same little tooth is wiggling and ready to fall out!

Many parents get curious (and sometimes a bit worried) when their child’s teeth start to loosen.

Let’s break down everything you need to know — from when it happens, how it happens, what’s normal, and how to care for your child’s growing smile.

What Are Baby Teeth and Why Do They Matter?

Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth or milk teeth, are the first set of teeth that appear in your child’s mouth.

Most children start getting their baby teeth at around 6 months of age, and by the time they’re 3 years old, they’ll have a complete set of 20 primary teeth — 10 on the top and 10 on the bottom.

Even though they’re temporary, these small teeth are very important:

• They help your child chew and eat food properly
  
• They support speech development and pronunciation
  
• They hold the space for permanent teeth to grow correctly
  
• They contribute to jaw and facial growth
  

So while baby teeth eventually fall out, they play a big role in building the foundation for a healthy adult smile.

When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?

Children usually start losing their baby teeth around 6 years old, but the age can vary.

Here’s a general guide:

• Early starters: Some kids may lose their first tooth as early as 4 or 5 years old
  
• Average age: Most children begin around 6 years old
  
• Late bloomers: Some kids may not lose their first tooth until 7 or 8 years old
  

There’s no need to worry if your child starts a little earlier or later. The timing depends on genetics, growth rate, and even when the baby teeth first erupted.

Tip: If your child got their first baby tooth early, they might also start losing teeth earlier — and vice versa!

The Sequence: Which Teeth Fall Out First?

Baby teeth usually fall out in the same order they came in.

Here’s the typical sequence:

Tooth Type	Usual Age Range
Lower central incisors (bottom front teeth)	6–7 years
Upper central incisors (top front teeth)	6–7 years
Lower lateral incisors	7–8 years
Upper lateral incisors	7–8 years
First molars	9–11 years
Canines (cuspids)	10–12 years
Second molars	10–12 years

By around 12–13 years old, most children have lost all 20 baby teeth and have 28 permanent teeth in place (wisdom teeth come later in the late teens or early 20s).

Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

Baby teeth fall out as a natural part of your child’s growth. Underneath each baby tooth, a permanent (adult) tooth is developing inside the jaw.

As the permanent tooth grows upward, it slowly dissolves the root of the baby tooth. When the root is completely gone, the baby tooth becomes loose and falls out — making room for the adult tooth.

This process is called tooth exfoliation, and it usually happens without pain or problems.

What Happens When a Tooth Becomes Loose?

When a tooth starts to wiggle, your child might feel something “funny” or “different” in their mouth.

Here’s what usually happens:

1. The tooth becomes slightly loose — it may move a little when your child touches it with their tongue.
   
2. The gums around the tooth might look red or tender.
   
3. Over time, it becomes looser and eventually falls out naturally.
   

You don’t need to pull the tooth out forcefully. Let it come out on its own or allow your child to gently wiggle it.

If a loose tooth is hanging by a small thread and bothering your child, you can use a clean tissue to give it a gentle twist — but only if it’s really ready to come out.

What If Baby Teeth Fall Out Too Early or Too Late?

Every child is different — but here’s what to watch for:

If teeth fall out too early

If your child loses a baby tooth before age 4, it could be due to an accident, decay, or infection. When this happens too early, the surrounding teeth can drift into the empty space — which might cause crowding or alignment problems later.

Your dentist might recommend a space maintainer to hold the gap until the permanent tooth comes in.

If teeth fall out too late

If your child hasn’t lost any teeth by age 8, it’s best to visit a dentist. Sometimes, permanent teeth are missing (a condition called tooth agenesis) or are erupting in the wrong direction.

A quick X-ray can show whether the adult teeth are developing properly.

How to Care for Loose and Growing Teeth

Proper oral care is crucial when your child is losing and growing new teeth. Here’s how to take care of them:

1. Keep brushing and flossing: Teach your child to brush twice a day using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste.
   
2. Be gentle around loose teeth: Encourage gentle brushing around wobbly teeth to avoid irritation.
   
3. Rinse with warm salt water: If the gums are sore after a tooth falls out, a warm salt water rinse can soothe discomfort.
   
4. Healthy snacks: Give calcium-rich foods like milk, cheese, and yogurt to strengthen new teeth.
   
5. Visit the dentist regularly: Routine dental check-ups help monitor how permanent teeth are growing in.

Healthy Habits for a Lifetime of Smiles

Losing baby teeth marks the start of your child’s permanent smile journey. This is the perfect time to build good dental habits that will last a lifetime:

• Teach them to brush for 2 minutes twice daily
  
• Encourage flossing once the teeth start touching
  
• Limit sugary snacks and drinks
  
• Schedule dental check-ups every 6 months

Positive habits built early help prevent cavities, misalignment, and gum problems later in life.

Final Thoughts

Losing baby teeth is a completely natural and exciting part of growing up. Most kids start around age 6, and the process continues until around 12 or 13 years old.

Every child’s timeline is a little different — what matters most is keeping their teeth and gums clean, healthy, and cared for as their permanent smile takes shape.

If you’re ever unsure about whether your child’s tooth loss pattern is normal, visit your dentist. A quick check-up and X-ray can give you peace of mind.