Many parents wonder, when do baby teeth fall out? The answer is that it varies from child to child. However, there are general patterns that can be followed. Our Walt Orthodontics team is happy to help outline the order for baby teeth to come in, fall out and what to expect.
Primary Teeth Enter – 6 Months to 3 Years Old
Your child’s primary teeth (baby teeth) will begin to erupt around 6 months of age. The secondary primary molars are typically the last baby teeth to emerge, coming in around 3 years of age. By this time your child will have around 20 baby teeth. These primary teeth are with your child for approximately another 3 years.
First Primary Teeth Lost – 6 to 8 Years Old
When your child starts to lose their baby teeth, it is a momentous time! From celebrating the first wiggle, to an enchanting visit from the tooth fairy. As a parent you want to feel confident your child is on the right track for a healthy smile.
It is common for gaps to occur in your child’s smile during this stage. They will lose about 8 primary (upper and lower front) teeth in rapid succession during this stage of development.
Also, the permanent (6 year old) molars erupt during this stage. They come in behind the baby teeth as the jaw grows so they do not replace any teeth.
While there are always exceptions, your child’s initial tooth loss is usually kicked off with the lower central incisors. Around 7 to 8 years, most children will lose their upper and lower lateral incisors. Typically, the 8 permanent incisors should all be present around the age of 8.
Last Primary Teeth Lost – Ages 10 to 12
During the pre-teen years is when children lose the last of their primary teeth. The upper baby first molars and lower canines go next, followed by the lower first molars around age 11. Around the age of 12, they will lose their lower baby second molars, along with their upper baby canines and second molars too.
When to Check-In With An Orthodontist
As your child’s teeth erupt, grow and fall out – many changes are happening. The CAO, along with our team at Walt Orthodontics, recommend an orthodontic check-up by the age of 7. At this age, jaw growth and the positions of erupting teeth can be evaluated. While comprehensive orthodontic treatment usually begins during adolescence, some problems need to be corrected at an earlier age. Learn more about our 7&Up Club!
If you have any concerns about your child’s teeth, please don’t hesitate to schedule an orthodontic consultation. We welcome families from all over our community – including Vaughan, Thornhill and Maple! We would be more than happy to answer any of your questions and help ensure that your child has a healthy, beautiful smile!
