When Do Kids Start Losing Their Teeth

Imagine your little one wiggling a loose tooth, eyes wide with excitement—or maybe a touch of nerves.

“Mom, when’s it gonna fall out?” they ask.

If that scene sounds familiar, you’ve probably wondered: when do kids start losing their teeth?

It’s a rite of passage every parent watches for, from that first wobbly incisor to the Tooth Fairy’s big debut.

Most kids kick off this milestone around age 6 or 7, but don’t be surprised if it happens earlier or later.

In this post, we’ll unravel the timeline, order, and quirks of losing baby teeth—plus share a few tricks to make it fun.

Ready to dive into this toothy adventure?

Let’s get started!

When do kids typically lose their first tooth?

Picture a kindergartner proudly showing off a gap in their grin—that’s usually around age 6 or 7, when most kids lose their first baby tooth.

But here’s the thing: normal can stretch from 4 to 8 years old, depending on the child.

The Mayo Clinic backs this up, noting that all 20 baby teeth are typically swapped out for permanent ones by age 12.

Why the range?

It’s like a dental fingerprint—unique to each kid.

My own daughter lost her first tooth at 5, while her brother held onto his until nearly 8.

Ever noticed that in your family?

It’s all part of the journey.

What’s the usual order of tooth loss?

Think of baby teeth as dominoes falling in a familiar pattern.

The lower front teeth—those central incisors—are usually the first to go, around 6-7 years old.

Next up?

The upper front teeth follow suit.

From there, it’s lateral incisors (7-8), first molars (9-10), canines (9-12), and second molars (10-12).

It’s almost poetic how they exit in the order they arrived.

Ever watched your kid lose a tooth out of sequence?

It’s rare, but it happens—sometimes a molar sneaks out early, which might mean a quick dentist chat.

Fun Fact: Baby teeth start dissolving their roots as permanent teeth push up—like nature’s eviction notice!

Why does the timing vary?

Ever wonder why one kid’s flashing a gap-toothed smile at 4 while another’s still got a full set at 8?

It’s a mix of factors.

Genetics play a starring role—if you lost teeth early, your kid might too.

When their baby teeth first popped in matters as well; early teethers often lose them sooner.

Health can nudge the timeline too.

Trauma or decay might boot a tooth out early, while rare conditions like neutropenia could speed things up, per Healthline.

Late loss past 12?

That’s usually fine but could hint at crowding.

What’s your family’s tooth-loss timeline like?

What if teeth fall out too early or too late?

Early loss before 4 or 5 might catch you off guard—maybe a tumble knocked a tooth loose or decay got the better of it.

It’s not a crisis, but a dentist can check if permanent teeth will line up right.

On the flip side, if your 12-year-old’s still sporting baby teeth, don’t panic.

It’s often normal, though overcrowding could be at play.

I recall a friend’s son needing spacers at 13 because his molars lingered—better safe than sorry with a dental visit.

Ever dealt with an odd timing?

How’d you handle it?

How does the process work?

Here’s the magic: as permanent teeth grow under the gums, they dissolve the baby tooth’s roots.

The tooth wobbles, loosens, and—pop!—it’s out.

It’s like a caterpillar shedding its cocoon for wings.

Kids might feel a little tug or see a dab of blood, but it’s rarely painful.

My son once lost a tooth mid-bite of an apple—talk about a surprise!

Most fall out naturally, though a gentle wiggle can help when it’s dangling.

Ever had a Tooth Fairy moment like that?

Making it fun for kids

Losing teeth can be a blast—or a bit spooky.

I turned my daughter’s first loss into a mini-event: we drew a “tooth tracker” on poster board, marking each gap with a star.

The Tooth Fairy left a note and a shiny quarter, and she beamed for days.

Want to try it?

Tell kids it’s a sign they’re growing up, like leveling up in a game.

Avoid yanking loose teeth—let them fall on their own to keep it comfy.

What’s your go-to trick for keeping the giggles going?

When to see a dentist

Most tooth loss is smooth sailing, but a few red flags warrant a pro’s eye.

Early loss from injury or decay?

Check it out.

Late loss with permanent teeth peeking through?

Same deal.

Pain or swelling?

Don’t wait.

“Regular check-ups starting at age 1 help catch quirks early,” says Dr. Joel Berg, a pediatric dentistry expert, via The Super Dentists.

My rule?

When in doubt, get it checked—peace of mind is priceless.

Busting tooth-loss myths

Think late tooth loss means braces?

Not always—it’s often just timing.

Or that early loss messes up adult teeth forever?

Nope, a dentist can manage it.

These myths float around, but the truth is simpler: every kid’s mouth tells its own story.

Losing teeth is a milestone, not a mystery—embrace it!

Your turn: share the fun

Got a tooth-loss tale?

Maybe your kid called their gap a “whistle maker,” or the Tooth Fairy got creative.

Drop it in the comments—I’d love to hear!

Not sure when your little one’s next tooth might go?

Poll your mom friends—comparing notes is half the fun.

Conclusion

So, when do kids start losing their teeth?

Most hit that milestone at 6 or 7, though 4 to 8 is fair game.

From front incisors to back molars, it’s a natural shuffle driven by growth, genetics, and a dash of luck.

Whether it’s early, late, or right on time, it’s a big step in their story—and yours.

Next time a tooth wiggles free, you’ll know it’s not just a gap; it’s a badge of growing up.

Bookmark this for your next Tooth Fairy prep, and share it with a fellow parent—it might just spark a smile!

Frequently asked questions about kids losing teeth