When do baby teeth fall out? Order, ages and loose tooth care

Key facts

• Lower front teeth usually loosen first, around 6–7 years
• Last baby molars usually lost by about 11–13 years
• A year either way is common
• Early loss from decay or injury may need a space maintainer
• Adult tooth behind a firm baby tooth may need the baby tooth removed

The usual order and ages

Baby teeth tend to fall out in roughly the order they arrived. The lower central incisors usually loosen first, at around six to seven years, followed by the upper central incisors. The lateral incisors next to them are commonly lost between about seven and eight years. The first baby molars often follow at around nine to eleven, then the canines and the second baby molars between about ten and twelve or thirteen. Girls often lose teeth slightly earlier than boys. Children who teethed early often lose teeth earlier, and late teethers often lose them later. A year either side of these ages is common.

How a baby tooth loosens

As the adult tooth develops beneath a baby tooth, it gradually dissolves the baby tooth's root. Over weeks to months the baby tooth becomes looser until it is held only by a little gum, then falls out, often with very little bleeding. Children can wiggle a loose tooth gently with clean fingers or their tongue, but it should not be forced out while still firmly attached. A slight ache or tender gum is common as the tooth loosens. If bleeding continues after the tooth comes out, pressing a clean gauze or cloth on the area for ten to fifteen minutes usually stops it.

When early loss needs a check

A baby tooth lost well before age four or five, or lost early because of decay, injury or extraction, deserves a dental review. Without the baby tooth holding space, neighbouring teeth can drift into the gap and leave too little room for the adult tooth, particularly when back baby molars are lost. A space maintainer may be advised in some cases. Teeth that become loose very early without injury or decay are uncommon and should be checked, because occasionally this can relate to gum or general health conditions that a dentist and paediatrician would assess together.

When late loss or 'shark teeth' needs a check

Sometimes an adult tooth erupts behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out, creating a double row often called shark teeth. This is common with lower front teeth. If the baby tooth is very loose, it often comes out within a few weeks on its own; if it stays firm, the dentist may advise removing it to let the adult tooth move forward. A baby tooth still firmly in place more than a year after the matching tooth on the other side has gone, or no sign of adult teeth well past the usual age, may need an X-ray to check the adult tooth is present and in a good position.

Loose tooth care and the adult teeth

Keep brushing around loose teeth gently, because plaque on the gum can make it sore. Soft foods help if chewing is uncomfortable. New adult front teeth often look larger, more yellow and have ridged edges compared with baby teeth; this is normal. The first adult molars usually come through behind the baby teeth at around six years without any baby tooth falling out, and they are important to protect with brushing and, where advised, fissure sealants. Contact the clinic if a tooth is knocked out by injury, if there is swelling, or if a loose tooth is very painful.

Positive early visits shape a child's attitude to dentistry for life. We keep appointments short, explain everything in child-friendly language, and focus on prevention.

Prepared by the Manhal Medical Center editorial team · Updated: 2026-10-18 · Treating specialist: Dr. Fariba Alnoory

This page is general information and does not replace a consultation. Suitability, risks and results vary between patients.