Many babies are born with no teeth showing, some with just one tooth showing, usually the lower front tooth. However, some babies have multiple teeth visible at birth. By the time they are 3 years old, most kids have a full set of 20 primary teeth (milk teeth or baby teeth). Then these primary teeth start to fall out in order to make space for 32 permanent teeth. Keep reading to find out at what age kids start losing teeth.
When do children start losing teeth?
On average, kids start losing teeth at around 6 years old. Between the ages of 6 and 12 years, kids have a mix of milk and permanent teeth in their mouths. By the age of 12 years, most kids have lost their last primary teeth and have a full set of adult teeth except for the third molars, also called the wisdom teeth.
Should I worry if my 5-year-olds teeth are falling out?
You don’t need to worry if your 5-year-old’s primary teeth have started falling out. Some kids start losing teeth earlier, sometimes as early as 4 years old. In others, the falling out of primary teeth is delayed by a year beyond the average age of 6 years. It is normal for to have some variation in the ages of 6 years and 12 years when kids start losing teeth and finish losing teeth.
Make sure your child gets regular dental checks while milk teeth are falling out. Experts recommend consulting a pediatric dentist if kids start losing teeth before age 3 or 4 years.
Note: If your child has a knocked out tooth, this is a dental emergency. Call your regular dentist or a weekend dentist in your area without delay (Express Dentist can help you get emergency dental care). Timely treatment is critical to save a tooth that has been knocked out. Read tips on what to do with a knocked-out tooth as you make your way to the dentist.
Why hasn’t my 7-year-old lost any teeth?
Most kids start losing teeth at around 6 years of age, but it can be delayed and may happen at 7 years. This is not abnormal. However, if your child has not lost any baby teeth by the time they are 8 years old, consult a dentist.
Is it normal to still have baby teeth at 15?
No, it is not normal to have baby teeth at 15 years old. No baby teeth should be present after age 13. If your teenager still has milk teeth, it is a cause for concern and should be evaluated by a dentist.
What tooth do kids lose first?
Most kids lose the upper and lower central incisors first (the two bottom front teeth and the two top front teeth).
How long does it take for a child’s front two teeth to grow back?
It can take up to 6 months for a permanent adult tooth to grow in place of a baby tooth after it has fallen out.
Remember, good dental habits start in childhood. Encourage your child to brush twice a day with these teeth brushing tips. And if you are looking for a pediatric dentist or family dentist in your area, Express Dentist has a trusted network of dental professionals nationwide, so don’t hesitate to get in touch.
About the author
Dr. Greg Grillo
Dr. Greg Grillo DDS studied at the University of Washington where he received a bachelors degree with Honors and later attended dental school on the same campus. Following school Dr. Greg served in the United States Navy as a dental officer. During this time he received advanced training in specialty areas of dentistry while also treating families of members of the military.
As well as sharing valuable information on dentistry and oral health, Dr. Greg remains a practicing dentist to this day. He works with families in the Okanogan Valley where he lives with his wife and three children.
