Twenty baby teeth leave the mouth over roughly six years. For most children the first one, usually a lower front tooth, wobbles free at around six, and the last back molars go somewhere between ten and twelve. A year either side of those ages is common, and the sequence tells a dentist more than the exact birthday does.
The order tends to follow the order they arrived
Teeth that came in first generally leave first. The adult tooth developing underneath gradually dissolves the root of the baby tooth above it, so by the time a baby tooth falls out it is mostly crown, which is why it usually comes away with only a little blood. The ages below are typical ranges, not deadlines.
| Baby teeth | Usually lost around |
|---|---|
| Lower front teeth (central incisors) | 6 to 7 years |
| Upper front teeth (central incisors) | 6 to 7 years |
| Teeth beside the front teeth (lateral incisors) | 7 to 8 years |
| First baby molars | 9 to 11 years |
| Canines | 9 to 12 years |
| Second baby molars | 10 to 12 years |
Girls often run a little ahead of boys, and lower teeth often go slightly before their upper partners. The first adult molars do not replace anything. They erupt behind the last baby teeth at about six, which surprises many parents who assume every new tooth needs a gap. For the arrival side of the story, see our baby teeth eruption order chart.
A two-year gap in the middle is normal
After the front teeth are swapped, many children have a quiet stretch from about eight to ten when nothing much seems to happen. The adult premolars and canines are still forming and moving into position. Parents sometimes worry at this point, but a pause after the incisors is part of the usual pattern.
What a normal loose tooth looks like
Adult teeth sometimes appear before the baby tooth has left, especially behind the lower front teeth, giving a brief double row. In most cases the baby tooth then loosens and falls out by itself, and the tongue gradually nudges the adult tooth forward. A loose tooth can be wiggled gently by the child and left to come out by itself. A little gum tenderness and a small amount of bleeding when it comes out are expected. If a baby tooth stays stuck long after the adult one has arrived, our article on a baby tooth that will not come out explains the options.
New molars are at risk while all this happens
The mixed years combine deep grooves on brand-new adult molars, gums that are tender around loose teeth, and children who are starting to brush on their own. Decay often starts in those grooves, and the habits in our article on preventing cavities apply in full. Supervising brushing until about seven or eight, and asking the dentist or OHT about fissure sealants once the molars are through, are two practical steps. Our guide to brushing properly has tips that suit children too.
Timing that deserves a dental check
Most children need nothing more than routine visits while their teeth change. A check is sensible when:
- a baby tooth is lost well before its time because of a knock or decay, since the space may need to be held for the adult tooth (see our guide to losing baby teeth early)
- a baby tooth becomes loose and falls out without any injury or decay before about age four, which is uncommon and worth investigating
- no tooth has loosened by about eight, which is usually just late timing but occasionally means an adult tooth is missing or blocked, something an X-ray can show
- a tooth on one side has been replaced but its partner on the other side shows no sign of moving after several months
- an adult tooth comes through well out of line, or the upper and lower teeth start to meet in a crossbite, a good time to talk about straightening options
What parents ask
My six-year-old has a loose tooth already. Is that early?
No. Five to seven is a normal window for the first tooth, and some children start a little earlier.
Should I pull a wobbly tooth?
It is kinder to let it come out on its own. Gentle wiggling is fine, but pulling a tooth that is still attached hurts and bleeds more.
Do baby teeth need fillings if they will fall out?
Often yes. Back baby teeth stay until ten to twelve and hold space for the premolars. Decay in them can cause pain and infection that may affect the adult tooth forming below.
Keeping track at check-ups
Our dentists and OHTs follow the changeover at each visit, and an X-ray is taken only when timing or position suggests one is needed. If your child has not been before, our first visit guide explains what happens, and eligible children may be covered by the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. You can also see our current offers.
This article is general information and not a substitute for an individual dental assessment.
