| Quick Answer: Most children begin losing baby teeth around age 6 and finish around age 12. The lower front teeth usually go first, followed by the upper front teeth, then 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 — what matters most is steady progress. |
“When will this tooth finally come out?” is one of the most common questions our kid-focused dentists at Deming Children’s Dentistry hear. Tooth loss follows a fairly predictable schedule, so here’s an age-by-age guide to what to expect.
When Does It All Begin?
Most kids lose their first baby tooth around age 6, though anywhere from 4 to 7 is normal. It’s usually a lower central incisor — one of the bottom front teeth — because those generally came in first.
Age-by-Age Guide
| Age | What’s typically happening |
|---|---|
| 6–7 | Lower then upper central incisors fall out |
| 7–8 | Lateral incisors (next to the front teeth) loosen |
| 9–11 | First baby molars are lost |
| 9–12 | Canines fall out |
| 10–12 | Second baby molars — the last to go |
The Usual Order
Teeth tend to fall out in roughly the same order they erupted — front to back. Permanent teeth dissolve the roots of the baby teeth above or below them, loosening each one until it falls out and the adult tooth moves in.
What’s Normal at Each Stage
- A tooth wiggling for several weeks before it falls out
- Mild gum tenderness as a permanent tooth pushes through
- Some asymmetry between the left and right sides
- A brief “double row” when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth
When to Reach Out
Contact us if no teeth have been lost by age 8, a tooth comes out very early from injury, a baby tooth won’t loosen while the permanent tooth erupts behind it, or there’s ongoing pain or swelling. Early checks keep everything on track, and routine preventive care makes it easy to spot issues as they develop.
Visit Deming Children’s Dentistry
Our kid-focused team on E Pine St is here for every stage of your child’s smile. We care for Deming, Lordsburg, Silver City and Luna County children from age 1 through 18 (special needs to 26), in English and Spanish — and we’re always glad to reassure parents that things are right on track. Contact our office to schedule a visit.
Frequently Asked Questions
When do children’s teeth start falling out?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, usually 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 children lose their teeth?
Generally front to back: lower then upper central incisors, lateral incisors, first baby molars, canines, and finally second baby molars — roughly the order they erupted.
Is it normal for my child to lose teeth early or late?
Yes, within reason. Starting between ages 4 and 7 is normal. Check with us if no teeth are lost by age 8 or a tooth is lost very early from injury.
What are shark teeth?
A permanent tooth sometimes erupts behind a baby tooth that hasn’t fallen out, creating a brief double row. It usually resolves on its own, but call us if the baby tooth doesn’t loosen within a month or two.
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Wondering what’s next for your child’s 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. Deming Children’s Dentistry & Orthodontics │ 1310 E Pine St, Ste B, Deming, NM 88030 │ (575) 544-9999 │ Contact Us → |