| Quick Answer: Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6 and their last around age 12 — about six years. The lower front teeth usually go first, followed by the upper front teeth, the side teeth, and finally the canines and back baby molars by ages 10 to 12. Starting anywhere from age 4 to 7 is normal. |
That first wiggly tooth is a big milestone — and the start of about six years of gradual change. At Desert Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Avondale, our pediatric dental practice guides families through it all the time. Here’s a year-by-year look at when baby teeth fall out and what’s normal.
When Does It Start?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, usually a lower central incisor (a bottom front tooth). Some kids start as early as 4, others closer to 7 — both are normal. The teeth that came in first generally fall out first.
Year-by-Year Guide
| Age | What’s typically happening |
|---|---|
| 6–7 | Lower then upper central incisors fall out |
| 7–8 | Lateral incisors loosen and fall out |
| 9–11 | First baby molars are lost |
| 9–12 | Canines fall out |
| 10–12 | Second baby molars — the last to go |
How Tooth Loss Works
As the permanent tooth develops underneath, it dissolves the root of the baby tooth above or below it. The baby tooth loosens and eventually falls out, and the permanent tooth moves into place. It’s best to let teeth fall out naturally rather than forcing them.
What’s Normal Along the Way
- A tooth wiggling for several weeks before it falls out
- Some left-right asymmetry in timing
- Mild gum tenderness as a permanent tooth erupts
- A brief “double row” when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth
When to See Our Pediatric Specialists
Reach out if no teeth have been lost by about age 8, a tooth is lost very early from injury, a baby tooth won’t loosen while the permanent tooth erupts behind it, or there’s pain or swelling. As pediatric dentists, we can quickly tell whether everything is on track — and routine preventive visits make it easy to monitor progress.
Visit Desert Valley Pediatric Dentistry in Avondale
Our pediatric dental practice cares for Avondale and West Valley families from infancy through the teen years, and we accept AHCCCS and most plans. Whether it’s a first wiggly tooth or a question about timing, we’re glad to help. Contact our office to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do children start losing their baby teeth?
Most start around age 6, usually with a lower front tooth, though anywhere from 4 to 7 is normal.
At what age do kids finish losing baby teeth?
Most finish around age 12, when the second baby molars — the last baby teeth — fall out.
What order do baby teeth fall out?
Generally front to back: lower then upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first baby molars, canines, and finally second baby molars.
Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?
It’s best to let it fall out naturally. Forcing it can cause pain or bleeding. Gentle wiggling is fine when the tooth is clearly ready.
When should I be concerned about tooth loss?
See us if no teeth are lost by about age 8, a tooth is lost early from injury, a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth that won’t loosen, or there’s pain or swelling.
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Tracking your child’s baby teeth? 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. Desert Valley Pediatric Dentistry │ 13075 W McDowell Rd, Suite D-100, Avondale, AZ 85392 │ (623) 322-8999 │ Contact Us → |