When Do Kids Start Losing Their Teeth?
You remember seeing your child’s first tooth appear. You watched all 20 of their baby teeth grow in and comforted them when they were teething. Now that your child is older, you will get to experience your child’s baby teeth falling out.
But when do kids start losing baby teeth? Here is everything you need to know when kids start losing teeth.
When do kids start losing teeth?
Your child’s teeth started coming up when they were between 6 and 12 months old. By their third birthday, typically your child should have a full set of 20 teeth. Now that the days of baby and toddler milestones are in the past, it makes sense to wonder, “When do kids start losing their teeth?”
The answer to the question, “When do kids start losing teeth” is typically between 5 and 6 years of age. Kids start losing their baby teeth between their fifth and sixth birthday, and the process of losing all 20 baby teeth is slow. It takes kids about 7 or 8 years to lose all of the baby teeth.
As the baby teeth fall out, adult teeth begin to grow in. There are significantly more adult teeth than baby teeth. While kids have 20 baby teeth, adults have 32 permanent teeth. By the time your child is a teenager, all of their adult teeth should be grown in. Sometimes kids are missing teeth or have extra teeth so it’s important to get their growth and development evaluated over time with your dentist.
In what order do kids' teeth fall out?
Baby teeth fall out so that adult teeth can grow in. The adult tooth pushes the baby tooth up and out. For most kids, this process begins with the teeth that grew in first. Think back to your baby’s first toothy smile. It is likely that their bottom two front teeth grew in first, so those teeth will likely be the first to fall out. After the bottom front two teeth fall out, the top two teeth will likely follow. The teeth will continue to fall out in an order similar to the way they grew in. The molars will be the last baby teeth to fall out.
How long does it take for a wiggly tooth to fall out?
Just because a tooth is loose does not mean it will fall out soon. Baby teeth become wiggly when adult teeth grow up underneath and loosen the roots. In order for a baby tooth to fall out, the root needs to first dissolve or absorb into the gums. This process does not take a specific amount of time. Sometimes it only takes a day or two for a wiggly tooth to fall out. Sometimes it could be weeks before a wiggly tooth is ready to come out. It’s okay for kids to “wash, wiggle, wash” or wash their hands, wiggle, and wash again.
Your child may experience some discomfort eating or with wiggling teeth. Some discomfort is normal and may be helped with a softer diet. If your child is experiencing pain, they should be seen by your dentist.
Once a baby tooth falls out, it can take a while for the adult tooth to come in. It could even take a few months. If 6 months pass without the adult tooth growing in, contact your dentist for a check up.
What to Do After a Child's Tooth Falls Out
After your child’s tooth falls out, your child will likely feel excited and nervous. Start by reassuring them that everything is okay, they are brave, and this is an exciting milestone!
Next, clean up and sanitize your child’s mouth. Make a warm saltwater rinse and let your child gargle it. Remind your child to be gentle when they brush their teeth, especially around the sensitive gums. It is a good idea to help your child floss and brush their teeth after they lose teeth so they can learn how to be gentle in the newly sensitive areas.
Now is a great time to encourage your child’s good flossing and brushing habits because they are extra focused on their mouth. Remind them how important it is to take care of their mouth.
Finally, remember to celebrate this exciting milestone with your child. Losing a tooth is a big event, especially if this is the first time they are losing a tooth. Many families celebrate this milestone with a visit from the tooth fairy. You can follow this tradition or create your own!
When to Take Your Child to the Dentist
Your child needs to go to the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings at least every six months, every three months if your child is high risk. If any concerns arise between those visits, make an appointment to see a dentist. Their permanent or adult teeth are forever teeth and need very good care.
We are leaders in providing high-quality and compassionate dental, orthodontic, and vision services. Help your kids thrive with regular dental checkups. Visit our Dental Services page to learn more about dental care for children, and book an appointment at a convenient location near you.
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