Baby teeth usually remain in place until they are replaced by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early due to tooth decay or an accident, a permanent tooth may take up the empty space. This can cause permanent teeth to become crowded and crooked.
A child’s baby teeth (primary teeth) usually begin to loosen and fall out to make room for permanent teeth around age 6. However, sometimes this may be delayed for a whole year.
Baby teeth usually remain in place until they are replaced by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early due to tooth decay or an accident, a permanent tooth may take up the empty space. This can cause permanent teeth to become crowded and crooked.
At what age do baby teeth fall out?
Most children begin to lose teeth between the ages of 6 and 12. As a child reaches the end of the toddler phase, teeth are gradually lost. The typical order in which a baby tooth falls out of the mouth is as follows:
- Incisors – from 6 to 8 years.
- First molars – from 9 to 11 years.
- Dogs – from 9 to 12 years.
- Second molars – from 10 to 12 years.
Each baby tooth tends to fall out in the same order in which it emerges, which occurs on average between the ages of 1 and 3 years. There may be slight differences in age and order, but this is usually not a problem and should not be of concern to the child or parent.
How many baby teeth should a child have?
Most people have 20 baby teeth. However, there is a condition known as hyperdontia, where a person has more teeth than they need. Hyperdontia results in what doctors call “supernumerary teeth,” which can cause complications. However, people are much more likely to have supernumerary adult teeth than baby teeth. In any case, as baby teeth fall out, having more (or even fewer) teeth is usually unlikely to have any impact on the child’s development.
How to care for children’s teeth
It is important to start practicing good oral hygiene as soon as your child’s first baby tooth emerges. When your child’s baby teeth begin to fall out, emphasize the importance of proper dental care. For example:
- Remind your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day. Monitor and offer assistance as needed.
- Help your child brush between the teeth every day.
- Eat a healthy diet and limit your intake of sugary foods and drinks.
- Schedule regular dental visits for your child.
With proper care, you can keep your child’s permanent teeth for life.
