A Parent’s Guide to Losing Baby Teeth and Growing Permanent Teeth
Losing teeth is an exciting milestone for kids and a big moment for families. While every child develops at their own pace, there is a general timeline for when baby teeth fall out and when permanent teeth come in. Understanding what is normal can help you support your child through each stage with confidence.
When Baby Teeth Usually Fall Out
Most children begin losing baby teeth around age 6, but anywhere from 5 to 7 is normal. Baby teeth fall out in a predictable order that usually matches the order they first came in.
Typical timeline:
Ages 6 to 7: Lower and upper front teeth fall out first.
Ages 7 to 8: Side front teeth loosen and fall out.
Ages 9 to 11: Canines and back baby molars begin to fall out.
Ages 10 to 12: Final baby molars are lost.
By age 12 or 13, most children have lost all 20 baby teeth.
Related Article: Why Baby Teeth Matter for Future Oral Health
When Permanent Teeth Come In
Permanent teeth begin to replace baby teeth around age 6 and continue growing in through early adolescence.
Most common timing:
Ages 6 to 7: First permanent molars and front permanent teeth come in.
Ages 7 to 8: Side permanent incisors erupt.
Ages 9 to 11: Premolars and canines begin to appear as baby teeth fall out.
Ages 12 to 13: Second permanent molars come in.
By the early teenage years, most children have 28 permanent teeth. The last set, the wisdom teeth, usually appear between ages 17 and 25.
What Is Normal During This Stage
It is common to see:
Teeth that come in slightly crooked at first.
Gaps between teeth while the mouth grows.
A mix of baby teeth and permanent teeth.
Mild soreness or wiggly teeth.
As the jaw grows, many teeth naturally shift into better alignment.
When to Call the Dentist
Schedule a visit if you notice:
A baby tooth that will not loosen even though the permanent tooth is visible.
Teeth coming in far behind or far in front of baby teeth.
Severe pain or sensitivity.
Baby teeth that fall out very early or very late.
Permanent teeth that look crowded or blocked.
A pediatric dentist can check the development and make sure everything is progressing as it should.
The Bottom Line
Losing teeth and growing new ones is a normal part of growing up, and every child’s timing is a little different. Most permanent teeth come in between ages 6 and 13, and a bit of shifting or crookedness at first is completely normal. With regular checkups and good brushing habits, your child’s smile will continue to grow healthy and strong.
At All About Kids Pediatric Dentistry, we love helping families navigate each stage of their child’s smile development with confidence and comfort.