{"id":221,"date":"2026-01-15T12:21:18","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T12:21:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/?p=221"},"modified":"2026-01-28T13:51:50","modified_gmt":"2026-01-28T13:51:50","slug":"when-do-baby-teeth-fall-out","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/when-do-baby-teeth-fall-out\/","title":{"rendered":"When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><b>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.<\/b><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/\"><b>Dr Mali Dental Clinic<\/b><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, we support parents across London with clear, evidence based guidance on children&#8217;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&#8217;s smile during this important stage of development.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What Are Baby Teeth and Why Do They Fall Out?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby teeth are a child\u2019s 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Losing baby teeth is a normal and essential part of dental development. However, the timing can vary.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Do Baby Teeth Start Falling Out?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Typical age range for baby tooth loss<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First baby tooth usually falls out between ages 5 and 7<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Most front teeth are lost by age 8<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Back baby molars often fall out between ages 9 and 12<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Girls may sometimes lose baby teeth slightly earlier than boys, but this is not always the case.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Normal Order Baby Teeth Fall Out<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Deciduous_teeth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby teeth<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> usually fall out in the same order they first appeared, although small variations are common.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common order of tooth loss<\/span><\/h2>\n<ol>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lower front teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Upper front teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Side incisors<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">First baby molars<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Canines<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Second baby molars<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How Long Does the Tooth Falling Out Process Take?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">From the first wobbly tooth to the last baby tooth falling out, the process usually spans around six to seven years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What If Baby Teeth Fall Out Too Early?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sometimes baby teeth fall out earlier than expected. This may happen due to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tooth decay or infection<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Injury or trauma<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Crowding or underlying dental issues<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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&#8217;s dentist may recommend monitoring or a space maintainer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your child loses a baby tooth well before age 5, it is worth arranging a dental check up.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What If Baby Teeth Do Not Fall Out on Time?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Signs to watch for include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adult teeth coming through behind baby teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby teeth that feel firm when others the same age have fallen out<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Delayed eruption of adult teeth<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A children&#8217;s dental assessment can confirm whether intervention is needed or whether it is best to allow nature to take its course.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Is It Normal for Adult Teeth to Grow Behind Baby Teeth?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/children-dentistry-london#removal-of-baby-teeth\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">removal<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> to prevent crowding.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Does Losing Baby Teeth Hurt?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">How to Care for Your Child&#8217;s Teeth During This Stage<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The stage when baby teeth fall out is crucial for establishing lifelong oral health habits.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Key dental care tips<\/span><\/h2>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Continue brushing twice daily with age appropriate fluoride toothpaste<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Supervise brushing until at least age 7<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Encourage gentle flossing where teeth touch<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Limit sugary snacks and drinks<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Attend regular dental check ups<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Good oral hygiene helps protect both baby teeth and newly erupted adult teeth, which are more vulnerable to decay in the early years.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">When Should You See a Children&#8217;s Dentist?<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You should consider booking a children&#8217;s dental appointment if:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Baby teeth fall out very early or very late<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Adult teeth erupt in unusual positions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Your child experiences pain or swelling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Teeth appear crowded or misaligned<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You have concerns about brushing or diet<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regular dental visits allow early identification of issues and help your child feel confident and relaxed about dental care.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Expert Care at Dr Mali Dental Clinic<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">At Dr Mali Dental Clinic, children&#8217;s dentistry is led by <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/#meet-the-team\"><b>Dr Malihe Moeinian<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">,<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> 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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you would like reassurance about your child&#8217;s dental development or have questions about when baby teeth fall out, we are here to help.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Book a Children&#8217;s Dental Appointment<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">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.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Call 020 8050 5411 or email info@drmalidental.co.uk to book your child&#8217;s appointment and support their smile at every stage.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/contact-us\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Contact Us<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>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 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":226,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_seopress_robots_primary_cat":"none","_seopress_titles_title":"When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? A Parents Guide","_seopress_titles_desc":"Learn when baby teeth fall out, the normal order, and when to see a dentist. Advice from Dr Mali Dental Clinic London. Book a dental check up.","_seopress_robots_index":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-221","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-blog"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=221"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":229,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/221\/revisions\/229"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/226"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=221"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=221"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.childrensdentistlondon.co.uk\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=221"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}