Fast answer: most children begin losing baby teeth around age 6, often with the lower front teeth first. The change usually continues in stages through about ages 10 to 12, as permanent teeth replace the 20 primary teeth. The order and timing vary: a first tooth may not loosen until around age 7, and two children of the same age can be at different stages. Use the ranges below as a general map, not a deadline or a way to diagnose your child. A baby tooth lost after an injury or because of decay, significant pain or swelling, a striking difference between sides, or a permanent tooth that does not appear as expected are reasons to ask a dentist for guidance.

At a glance

A changing smile follows a broad pattern

Around age 6

Lower front baby teeth often loosen first. Permanent first molars can also erupt behind the baby teeth.

About ages 7–9

Side incisors and then some lower canines may loosen while permanent teeth continue to come in.

About ages 9–12

Baby molars and upper canines are commonly replaced. The sequence can pause and resume.

Baby-tooth loss and permanent-tooth eruption timeline

These are typical age ranges, not fixed milestones. The upper and lower teeth do not always change at the same time, and eruption does not happen on a schedule that can be predicted from age alone.

Typical timing for baby teeth to fall out and their permanent successors to appear
Baby tooth Typical age it falls out Permanent-tooth context
Lower central incisors (bottom front) 6–8 years Lower permanent central incisors commonly erupt around 6–7 years.
Upper central incisors (top front) 6–8 years Upper permanent central incisors commonly erupt around 7–8 years.
Lateral incisors (beside the front teeth) 7–8 years Permanent lateral incisors commonly erupt around 7–9 years, with upper teeth often later than lower teeth.
First baby molars 9–11 years They are generally replaced by first premolars; those commonly erupt around 10–12 years.
Lower canines 9–12 years Lower permanent canines commonly erupt around 9–11 years.
Upper canines 10–12 years Upper permanent canines commonly erupt around 11–12 years.
Second baby molars 10–12 years They are generally replaced by second premolars, which commonly erupt around 10–13 years.

Ranges are summarized from Health Canada’s upper/lower primary-tooth chart and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry’s growth-and-development reference. The organizations present some ranges differently; normal children may also fall outside a chart’s typical window. A dentist can interpret a child’s sequence in context.

When do children lose their front teeth?

The lower central incisors—the two bottom middle teeth—are often the first baby teeth to loosen, commonly around age 6. The upper middle teeth and then the lateral incisors beside them tend to follow. Front-tooth timing overlaps: children may lose top and bottom teeth in a different order or have a gap between stages. Permanent incisors can start appearing while other baby teeth are still present, so a mixed set of baby and adult teeth is expected during this transition.

When do baby canines and molars fall out?

Baby canines (the pointed teeth beside the incisors) usually loosen after the front teeth. Lower canines often change before upper canines. The first and second baby molars typically fall out later, and each is replaced by a premolar. Permanent molars are different: the first permanent molars usually erupt behind the baby teeth around age 6, and the second permanent molars appear later. They do not push out a baby molar, so a new back tooth can appear without a baby tooth falling out.

Why one child’s timeline may differ

Age ranges describe a population, not a countdown. Tooth eruption and loss can vary with the timing of earlier tooth development, individual growth, and which tooth is changing. A child may lose teeth in waves, then go months without another one becoming loose. Small differences between the left and right sides can occur; a persistent or pronounced difference is something a dentist can assess rather than something a chart can diagnose.

When to ask a dentist

  • A baby tooth is lost early after a fall, other injury, or decay. Baby teeth help hold space for the permanent teeth, so a dentist can check the area and advise whether follow-up is needed.
  • A tooth is painful, swollen, or was not loose before it came out. These symptoms may need assessment, especially after an injury.
  • The pattern is notably uneven or a baby tooth remains while a permanent tooth is coming in beside it. A dental professional can review the child’s mouth and development.
  • A permanent tooth does not seem to be emerging or you are concerned about a long delay. The child’s dentist can compare the whole eruption pattern and decide whether monitoring or further evaluation is appropriate.

Do not use this chart to decide that a child has a dental problem or to wait out pain after trauma. Contact the child’s dentist when a tooth is lost unexpectedly, symptoms are significant, or you are concerned about the pattern.

What should you do with a loose baby tooth?

Let the child gently wiggle a loose tooth with a clean finger or tongue if they want to. Do not force or twist a tooth that is not ready. If it comes out on its own, light bleeding can happen; follow the dentist’s instructions if the tooth was injured, came out unexpectedly, or bleeding does not settle. Keep brushing gently around the area and continue the child’s usual oral-care routine.

Frequently asked questions

Is age 5 too early to lose a baby tooth?

Not necessarily, but the reason and which tooth matters. A baby tooth lost after injury or because of decay should be checked by a dentist. For a loose tooth with no injury or symptoms, ask the child’s dentist if the timing concerns you; the age ranges are guides, not a diagnosis.

Do children lose all 20 baby teeth?

Children typically have 20 primary teeth, which are gradually replaced by permanent teeth. The final baby teeth often loosen during the early teen years, but individual timing varies.

Why is a permanent tooth growing behind a baby tooth?

Permanent teeth can begin erupting before a baby tooth has fallen out. If the baby tooth does not loosen or the adult tooth’s position concerns you, ask a dentist to assess it rather than trying to pull it.

Are six-year molars baby teeth?

No. First permanent molars often erupt behind the baby teeth around age 6, without replacing a baby tooth. Help your child brush these new back teeth carefully.

Sources