Noticing your child’s first wobbly tooth can raise questions: Is this too early? Too late? What’s considered normal? For many parents, understanding the process of baby teeth falling out can provide much-needed clarity and peace of mind.
In this guide, we’ll walk through when baby teeth typically fall out, what the process looks like, and how to support your child along the way — with practical advice and gentle reassurance.
The Purpose of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) are not just temporary tools for chewing. They serve several essential functions — supporting speech, allowing proper chewing, and maintaining space in the mouth to guide the placement of adult teeth.
As your child grows, those early teeth gradually loosen to make way for the stronger, permanent set waiting underneath. Keeping baby teeth healthy, even though they eventually fall out, is crucial for long-term oral development.
For a comprehensive guide on when those first tiny teeth emerge, read our article: When Do Babies Start Teething? Signs, Timeline & Soothing Tips!
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
It’s common for children to lose their first tooth between the ages of five and seven, typically during their early years of primary school. However, it’s not unusual for some children to experience this change earlier or later, depending on factors like genetics and oral development.
The typical order of tooth loss follows a fairly predictable sequence:
- Bottom front teeth (central incisors) are usually the first to become loose
- Followed by the top front teeth
- After that, the smaller teeth adjacent to the front ones typically begin to loosen
- Then the first molars and canines
- The last baby teeth to fall out are typically the second molars, usually around age 12
By the early teen years, your child will likely have their complete set of permanent teeth.
| Tooth Type | Approximate Age (Years) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Bottom Front Teeth (Central Incisors) | 5 – 7 | Often the very first teeth to become loose. |
| Top Front Teeth (Central Incisors) | 6 – 8 | Typically follow the bottom front teeth. |
| Lateral Incisors (Next to front teeth) | 7 – 9 | Smaller teeth on either side of the central incisors. |
| First Molars | 9 – 11 | The first set of molars. |
| Canines (Eye Teeth) | 9 – 12 | Pointy teeth located between incisors and molars. |
| Second Molars | 10 – 12 | The last baby teeth to fall out. |
| Full Transition Complete | By Early Teen Years (approx. 12-13) | Your child will likely have their complete set of permanent teeth. The entire process spans 6-8 years. |
How Long Does the Process Take?
The full transition from baby teeth to adult teeth doesn’t happen overnight. It often spans 6 to 8 years, beginning around age 5 or 6 and continuing through to around age 12 or 13. During this time, it’s essential to maintain good oral hygiene and schedule regular dental check-ups to ensure proper tooth eruption and bite development.
Is It Normal for a Tooth to Stay Loose for Weeks?
Yes, it is. A tooth may remain wobbly for several weeks before it falls out. This happens because the root beneath the baby tooth is slowly dissolving, allowing space for the permanent tooth to come through.
Many kids can’t resist fiddling with a loose tooth once they notice it moving. That’s perfectly fine, so long as it’s done gently. It’s best to wait — forcing a tooth out too early may result in avoidable discomfort or irritation.
What Happens If a Baby Tooth Comes Out Earlier Than Expected?
In some cases, a baby tooth may fall out earlier than expected due to injury or decay. When this happens, and the adult tooth isn’t quite ready to erupt, there’s a chance neighbouring tooth may drift into the empty space — leading to alignment issues down the track.
To prevent this, a dentist may recommend a space maintainer — a small, custom-fit device that preserves the gap and keeps the surrounding teeth from shifting. This allows the adult tooth to emerge in its correct position when the time comes.
Why Is an Adult Tooth Appearing Before the Baby Tooth Has Fallen Out?
While it might seem unusual, it’s a common occurrence that’s usually nothing to worry about. It’s often referred to as “double teeth,” and while it can look a little unusual, it rarely causes long-term issues.
If the baby tooth doesn’t loosen or fall out naturally within a reasonable timeframe, your dentist might recommend removing it. This helps make sure the adult tooth comes in properly, reducing the risk of spacing or alignment issues later on.
Can Losing Teeth Cause Discomfort or Pain?
Generally, the process is painless. A child might experience some minor tenderness or gum sensitivity — especially when chewing or brushing near the affected area — but it should be short-lived.
However, ongoing discomfort, visible swelling, bleeding that doesn’t stop, or difficulty eating may signal a need for dental attention. These symptoms may indicate an infection, an impacted tooth, or another issue that requires professional attention.
What If a Baby Tooth Never Falls Out?
In rare situations, a baby tooth might remain in place long after it should have naturally fallen out. This can naturally raise questions about which teeth fall out and which don’t always follow the typical pattern. This may occur due to various factors, including:
- Absence of the adult tooth underneath (a condition known as tooth agenesis)
- The adult tooth is impacted or blocked
- The baby tooth is becoming fused to the bone
If your child is significantly older than expected and still has baby teeth, your dentist may recommend X-rays to investigate further and determine the best course of action. Early diagnosis can help avoid complications with bite and alignment in the future.
| Scenario | What It Means / What to Do | When to See a Dentist |
|---|---|---|
| Tooth stays loose for weeks. | This is normal. The root is dissolving. Gentle wiggling is fine, but avoid forcing it out prematurely. | Only if there’s significant pain, swelling, or it’s causing difficulty eating for an extended period. |
| Baby tooth comes out earlier than expected (e.g., due to injury or decay). | Neighboring teeth may drift into the empty space, potentially causing alignment issues for the permanent tooth. | Immediately. Your dentist may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the gap for the permanent tooth. |
| Adult tooth appears before the baby tooth has fallen out (“double teeth”). | This is common and usually not a long-term issue. The permanent tooth is simply erupting behind the baby tooth. | If the baby tooth doesn’t loosen or fall out naturally within a reasonable timeframe (e.g., a few weeks after the adult tooth appears), your dentist might recommend removing it. |
| Losing teeth causes discomfort or pain. | Generally, the process is painless. Minor tenderness or gum sensitivity (especially when chewing/brushing) is normal and short-lived. | If there is ongoing discomfort, visible swelling, bleeding that doesn’t stop, or difficulty eating. These could signal an infection or other issues. |
| A baby tooth never falls out. | This is rare. Reasons include absence of the adult tooth underneath, the adult tooth being impacted/blocked, or the baby tooth fusing to the bone. | If your child is significantly older than expected and still has baby teeth in areas where they should have fallen out. Dentist may recommend X-rays to investigate. |
| Child is close to 8 years old and no baby teeth have fallen out. | While there’s variation, this is getting towards the later end of the normal range for the first tooth loss. | It’s advisable to speak with a dentist to ensure there are no underlying issues impacting eruption. |
How Can You Support Your Child During this Transition
As your child’s smile begins to change, your support is key. Here are a few simple, effective ways to help them through the process:
- Stay calm and reassuring: Present tooth loss as a normal, exciting stage of growing up
- Promote gentle brushing: Encourage regular oral care, even around loose teeth
- Avoid forcing teeth out: Let the body do its job naturally
- Maintain dental visits: Routine check-ups help monitor progress and spot potential issues early
- Offer encouragement: Celebrating milestones, like the first lost tooth, can ease nerves and build confidence
When Should You Speak with a Dentist?
It’s important to seek professional guidance if:
- Your child is close to 8 years old and has not yet lost any baby teeth
- A tooth falls out much earlier than expected, with no adult tooth in sight
- Permanent teeth are erupting in awkward or unexpected positions
- There’s ongoing discomfort, swelling, or gum irritation
Visiting your Paediatric Dentist early helps spot little issues before they become bigger ones — saving your child trouble and you stress later on.
Final Thoughts
All kids lose their baby teeth as they grow up. While there’s a general age range and order, it’s normal for children to progress at their own pace. The most important thing is to support good oral hygiene, observe their dental development, and partner with a trusted dental team when you have concerns.
At Richmond & Springvale Dental Group, we’re committed to helping families across every stage of their oral health journey. Whether it’s their first loose tooth or a check-up on how their smile is developing, our experienced team is here to provide professional care in a welcoming environment.
Have questions or ready to schedule an appointment? Contact our team today.
