One of the most common questions parents ask is when do baby teeth fall out. For many families, the first wobbly tooth is an exciting milestone, but it can also raise questions about what is normal, what is not, and when dental advice might be needed.
Baby teeth usually begin to fall out between the ages of 5 and 7, starting with the front teeth. Most children lose all 20 baby teeth by age 12 or 13 as adult teeth gradually move into position. Timing can vary and is usually normal.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, we support parents across London with clear, evidence based guidance on children’s oral health. This guide explains when baby teeth usually fall out, the typical order, what affects timing, and how to care for your child’s smile during this important stage of development.
Baby teeth are a child’s first teeth and are often referred to as milk or primary teeth. Most children have 20 baby teeth in total. These early teeth support eating, clear speech, healthy jaw development, and guide adult teeth into the correct position.
Baby teeth fall out because the adult teeth beneath them begin to move into position. As adult teeth push upwards, the roots of the baby teeth gradually dissolve. This makes the baby teeth loosen and eventually fall out naturally.
Losing baby teeth is a normal and essential part of dental development. However, the timing can vary.
Most children begin losing baby teeth around the age of 6. Some may start slightly earlier at 5, while others may not lose their first tooth until 7. All of these timings can still be completely normal.
Most children continue to lose baby teeth as they grow, with the final ones usually falling out in the early teenage years, although timing can vary.
Girls may sometimes lose baby teeth slightly earlier than boys, but this is not always the case.
Baby teeth usually fall out in the same order they first appeared, although small variations are common.
If your child loses teeth in a slightly different order, this is not automatically a cause for concern. What matters most is that adult teeth are developing properly and there are no signs of pain, infection, or crowding.
From the first wobbly tooth to the last baby tooth falling out, the process usually spans around six to seven years.
During this time, your child will be in what dentists call the mixed dentition stage. This means they will have a mixture of baby teeth and adult teeth at the same time. This stage is important for monitoring bite development, spacing, and oral hygiene habits.
Sometimes baby teeth fall out earlier than expected. This may happen due to:
Early tooth loss can allow neighbouring teeth to drift into the empty space, which may affect how adult teeth erupt later. In these cases, a children’s dentist may recommend monitoring or a space maintainer.
If your child loses a baby tooth well before age 5, it is worth arranging a dental check up.
Late tooth loss is also common and often not a problem. However, baby teeth that remain in place after the adult tooth is ready to erupt can sometimes cause crowding or misalignment.
Signs to watch for include:
A children’s dental assessment can confirm whether intervention is needed or whether it is best to allow nature to take its course.
Yes. This is sometimes called sharks teeth and is quite common, especially with lower front teeth. In many cases, the baby tooth will still loosen and fall out on its own as the adult tooth continues to move into position.
Encouraging gentle wiggling of the baby tooth can help. If the baby tooth does not loosen after a short period, a dentist may recommend simple removal to prevent crowding.
For most children, losing baby teeth causes little or no pain. You may notice mild tenderness or sensitivity when a tooth is very loose or just after it falls out.
If there is bleeding, gentle pressure with clean gauze usually stops it quickly. Pain, swelling, or persistent discomfort is not normal and should be checked by a dentist.
The stage when baby teeth fall out is crucial for establishing lifelong oral health habits.
Good oral hygiene helps protect both baby teeth and newly erupted adult teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay in the early years.
You should consider booking a children’s dental appointment if:
Regular dental visits allow early identification of issues and help your child feel confident and relaxed about dental care.
At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, children’s dentistry is led by Dr Malihe Moeinian, a Specialist in Paediatric Dentistry with advanced postgraduate training and academic research experience. Our approach is gentle, evidence based, and focused on long term oral health.
We support families through every stage of dental development, from the first baby tooth to the final adult smile. Our clinic is based at 64 Fulham High Street in central London and welcomes children from Fulham and surrounding areas.
If you would like reassurance about your child’s dental development or have questions about when baby teeth fall out, we are here to help.
Understanding when baby teeth fall out can give parents peace of mind and help ensure healthy development. If you would like personalised advice or a professional check up, contact Dr Mali Dental Clinic today.
Call 020 8050 5411 or email info@drmalidental.co.uk to book your child’s appointment and support their smile at every stage.
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