| Quick Answer: Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, starting with the lower central incisors (bottom front teeth). The process continues through about age 12, when the last baby molars typically fall out. All 20 baby teeth are eventually replaced. Some kids start as early as 4, others not until 7 — both fall within the normal range. |
If your child has been wiggling a loose tooth and you’re trying to figure out whether the timing is normal — or if you’re a few years out and just curious — you’re in the right place. At Gallup Children’s Dentistry, we walk Gallup-area parents through the tooth-loss timeline every week. The short answer: most kids lose their first tooth around age 6, with the full set of 20 baby teeth typically gone by age 12.
Here’s the full timeline, what to watch for, and when something is worth a quick call.
The Tooth Loss Timeline
Baby teeth typically fall out in roughly the same order they came in. The general schedule:
| Tooth Type | Position | Typical Loss Age |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | Lower front, then upper front | 6–7 years |
| Lateral incisors | Next to centrals | 7–8 years |
| First baby molars | Back baby teeth | 9–11 years |
| Canines | Pointed teeth | 9–12 years |
| Second baby molars | Furthest-back baby teeth | 10–12 years |
Variation is normal. Some kids lose teeth in rapid bursts; others go months without losing any. As long as the overall pattern is moving forward and the permanent tooth is visible underneath the gum, there’s usually nothing to worry about.
How Many Teeth Will Your Child Lose?
All 20. Each baby tooth has been making space for a permanent adult tooth that’s been developing under the gum. By the time the process finishes around age 12, most kids have a near-complete set of adult teeth.
Adults eventually have 32 permanent teeth — 12 more than the original baby set. The “extra” teeth (first molars, second molars, and wisdom teeth) erupt into new space behind the baby molars as the jaw grows. They don’t replace anything.
What’s Normal — and What’s Not
The wide age range can make parents nervous. Here’s when to relax and when to call:
Almost always fine:
- First lost tooth between ages 4 and 7
- Several months between lost teeth
- Slightly different timing on each side of the mouth
- Mild wiggling and natural bleeding when a tooth comes out
Worth a call:
- A baby tooth lost before age 4, especially from cavity or injury
- No teeth lost by age 7 or 8
- A permanent tooth coming in behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out
- Severe pain, signs of infection, or a tooth that’s been very loose for weeks
What to Do When a Tooth Comes Loose
Let it fall out naturally. Pulling a tooth that’s not ready can damage the gum or leave a piece of root behind. The wiggling itself is what gradually breaks down the connection — eventually the tooth falls out with minimal pain and almost no bleeding.
What to do:
- Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth gently with their tongue or a clean finger
- Offer crunchy foods (apples, carrots) to help loosen it
- Keep the area clean — brushing as normal is fine
- When it falls out, rinse with cool water and place gauze if there’s any bleeding
- Save it for the tooth fairy
Early Tooth Loss: When to Worry
A baby tooth lost significantly early — before age 4, from trauma or decay — can cause neighboring teeth to drift into the open space. That can leave the future permanent tooth without enough room to come in straight. In those cases, a space maintainer (a small custom appliance that holds the gap open) is often recommended.
We monitor this at every checkup. Catching alignment issues early is much simpler than fixing them later.
Visit Gallup Children’s Dentistry
Our team has been Gallup’s home for kid-focused dental care for years. We see kids through the entire tooth-losing timeline — from the first wiggly tooth around age 6 to the last baby molar around age 12 — and beyond into orthodontic care for those who need braces. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans. Schedule a checkup online or by phone.
Frequently Asked Questions
At what age do kids start losing teeth?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, starting with the lower central incisors. Some kids start as early as 4 or 5; others not until age 7 or 8. All of these are within the normal range as long as the rest of the mouth is developing on schedule.
What’s the order kids lose teeth in?
Generally: lower central incisors first (~age 6), then upper central incisors, then lateral incisors, then first baby molars and canines (~age 9–11), and finally second baby molars (~age 10–12). The order roughly mirrors how the teeth came in.
How long does it take to lose all baby teeth?
About six years total — from the first one around age 6 to the last baby molar around age 12. The process happens in waves rather than all at once, with quiet stretches in between.
Should I be worried if my child loses teeth early or late?
Usually no. Within ages 4–7 for the first tooth and 10–13 for the last is normal. If your child loses a tooth before age 4 (especially from injury or decay) or hasn’t lost any by age 7 or 8, schedule a visit so we can check the underlying timing.
Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?
Usually no — let it fall out naturally. Pulling can damage the gum or leave part of the root behind. If a tooth has been very loose for weeks and is causing real discomfort, schedule a visit so we can check it.
What if my child loses a tooth too early from injury?
Early loss from trauma can cause permanent teeth to drift into the gap. A space maintainer — a small custom appliance — may be needed to hold the space until the adult tooth erupts. We evaluate this at every visit.
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Questions about your child’s tooth-loss timeline? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Gallup Children’s Dentistry │ Gallup, NM │ Contact Us → |