In our previous blog post, we briefly mentioned teething. Now, we are here to help you answer the question, “When do kids start losing teeth?”

When do kids start losing teeth?

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Children will start to lose their baby teeth around 6-7 years old. However, it depends on how early they developed those baby teeth. According to Innovative Pediatric Dentistry, the earlier their baby teeth came in, the earlier they will begin to lose them. The first teeth to go are usually at the front and bottom of your little one’s mouth. These teeth are called the lower central incisors, cites Dr. Miao Xian Zhou of Mayo Clinic. The upper central incisors (or the upper front teeth) are typically next, then the lateral incisors (these are on either side of the “two front teeth”), followed by the first molars, canines (these are the pointy teeth at the top and bottom of the mouth), and then the second molars.

When do kids stop losing teeth?

If they start losing their teeth as early as four or five years old, when do they stop? Innovative Pediatric Dentistry says that children generally lose those second molars between 10 and 12 years old. That is quite a few years we have all spent losing our baby teeth!

Additionally, Innovative Pediatric Dentistry mentions that most children and adults between the ages of 17 and 21 get their wisdom teeth, or third permanent molars, removed. However, some lucky people are exempt from the whole wisdom tooth process. That is right—not everyone gets wisdom teeth!

What happens if my child loses a tooth prematurely due to an accident or decay?



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Accidents happen—and so does tooth decay. Mayo Clinic mentions the importance of teaching your little one good oral hygiene from an early age. Teaching them to brush and floss at least twice a day will set them up for success in the long run. However, if your child does happen to lose a tooth due to decay or an accident, Innovative Pediatric Dentistry cites that they use a dental space maintainer in order to prevent overcrowding of the teeth. This also helps to keep the space open for their next tooth to come in! Overall, taking your little one to the pediatric dentist is the first step in making sure your little one’s adult teeth can come in properly and without hassle.

You may also want to take your child to the dentist if you notice a delay in their baby teeth coming out, or conversely, they start to lose their baby teeth at a really young age.

What should my little one look forward to when they lose a tooth?

There is only one way to make your child feel good about losing a tooth, and that is by reminding them of the Tooth Fairy! Be sure to advise them to put their tooth under their pillow and they will certainly be visited by a special fairy that evening.

Now you know what to expect when your little one starts losing his or her baby teeth, from when they begin to fall out to what happens in the event of an accident! We wish your child the best of luck in the whole process.