Portrait of a little girl with missing teeth playing with yellow fallen leaves in autumn forest

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

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At what time do you fall asleep? When do the leaves start falling? At what age do baby teeth fall out? There's a pattern here. Can you recognize it? All of these questions have an answer, but the answer isn't the same for every person, tree, or child. Concerning losing baby teeth — that's a big deal. It should be celebrated, enjoyed, and fruitful for your child (see tooth fairy). But before we share a typical timeline for teeth falling out, let's dig a little deeper into tooth loss and how it's a normal part of growing up.

Why Do Kids Lose Their Teeth?

The first question should be, why? Why is your child losing their teeth? Well, that's quite simple. It's because everyone's' teeth do. How we lose our teeth is a little more detailed. And that's due to the baby tooth's roots dissolving. As it dissolves, it becomes loose, and it could take a few months for the tooth to fall out. When we're born, we have all of our baby and adult teeth. The adult teeth below will begin to grow, making the baby tooth looser. It's up to you how much you divulge to your little one, but the most important thing to communicate to keep them relaxed and calm is that losing your teeth is normal and healthy.

Which Baby Teeth Fall Out First?

It's a good question. And typically, baby teeth start falling out in the same order they came in. The bottom two front teeth and top two front teeth are usually the first invited to walk the plank from out of their gums to under their pillow. So prepare yourself for unbalanced smiles as your child grows up. It's all part of the growing process. But again, this is typical. Don't be alarmed if this isn't the order for your little one. If you're concerned or have questions, talk to your dentist.

When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

So 'when' is the big question? When do baby teeth fall out? Typically, it's right around when your child is going to school full time. So around kindergarten or 1st grade is pretty standard for them to have some gaps in their smile. The Mayo Clinic says:

  • From ages of 6 up to 13 is common
  • Each child varies
  • Girls usually lose their teeth sooner

You may find the eruption chart from the American Dental Association for both baby and permanent teeth helpful. Again, all of these details are average. Don't fret if your little one is a little early or late compared to their BFF or even a sibling. The order in which they come in is actually more important. If you're worried about the timing or order of your child's baby teeth falling out, schedule an appointment with your dentist to discuss it.

How To Keep Baby Teeth Healthy

Like many things in life, the sooner you're able to start a routine, the better. And this definitely applies to your kid's oral hygiene. So they should be:

  • Brushing twice per day
  • Flossing regularly
  • Using fluoride toothpaste
  • Seeing their dentist twice per year

If you're able to teach and establish a good oral care routine with your child, you'll be well ahead of the curve. Without this, plaque and tooth decay could form, leading to cavities. And that's a whole other conversation.

When your child's baby teeth fall out varies from person to person. Usually, it starts around the age of 6 and ends around 13. If you or your child notice anything strange or irregular about their baby teeth going out and adult teeth coming in, set up a time to have your dentist take a look. Your dentist's experience and an X-ray should help things fall into place.

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This article is intended to promote understanding of and knowledge about general oral health topics. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment.

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