When Baby Teeth Fall Out and Adult Teeth Come In: A Parent’s Guide

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One of the key milestones in your child’s development is the loss of baby teeth and the arrival of their permanent adult teeth. This process is exciting for children and often comes with questions from parents about when and how it all happens. In this article, we'll explore the timeline of when baby teeth fall out, when adult teeth come in, and what to expect along the way.

The Purpose of Baby Teeth

Before diving into the specifics of tooth loss, it’s important to understand why baby teeth exist. Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, serve several crucial functions:

• They help your child chew and speak properly.
• They act as placeholders for adult teeth, ensuring there is enough space for them to come in properly.
• They contribute to the development of facial muscles and bone structure.

Though baby teeth are temporary, they play a big role in your child’s early development and oral health. That’s why it’s important to care for them properly until they are naturally replaced by permanent teeth.

Timeline for Baby Teeth Falling Out

Children generally start losing their baby teeth around age 6, though some may begin a little earlier or later. The process of losing baby teeth typically lasts until around age 12 or 13. Here’s a general timeline for when baby teeth usually fall out:

• Lower Central Incisors (bottom front teeth): 6-7 years
• Upper Central Incisors (top front teeth): 6-7 years
• Upper and Lower Lateral Incisors (beside the front teeth): 7-8 years
• First Molars (back chewing teeth): 9-11 years
• Canines (the pointed teeth next to incisors): 9-12 years
• Second Molars: 10-12 years

Keep in mind that every child is different, and these ages are estimates. Some children may lose their teeth earlier, while others may be a little behind the typical timeline. Your local Greenville NC Dentist can help guide you on where your child is in regard to this tooth progression chart. 

What Happens When Baby Teeth Become Loose?

When a tooth becomes loose, it’s a sign that the adult tooth underneath is pushing its way up and causing the root of the baby tooth to dissolve. This loosening usually starts with the front teeth (incisors) and progresses to the back teeth (molars). Your child may feel some mild discomfort or sensitivity, but the process is usually painless.

It’s important to let baby teeth fall out naturally. Encourage your child to gently wiggle the loose tooth, but avoid pulling it out prematurely. Forcing a tooth out too early can cause pain or even lead to infection.

When Do Adult Teeth Come In?

As your child’s baby teeth fall out, their permanent adult teeth will begin to emerge. Here’s a general guide to when permanent teeth should come in:

• First Molars: 6-7 years (these are often the first adult teeth to come in, even before baby teeth fall out)
• Central Incisors: 6-8 years
• Lateral Incisors: 7-8 years
• Canines: 9-12 years
• Premolars (replacing baby molars): 10-12 years
• Second Molars: 11-13 years
• Third Molars (wisdom teeth): late teens to early twenties (if they erupt at all)

Permanent teeth typically start erupting around the same time the baby teeth fall out. By the time your child reaches their early teenage years, they should have all 28 of their permanent teeth (excluding wisdom teeth). Wisdom teeth, if they erupt, generally don’t come in until the late teens or early twenties.

Signs That Permanent Teeth Are Coming In

As permanent teeth begin to come in, you may notice several signs:

• Loose
• Bleeding of the gums around teeth. 
• Pain with Chewing.

For any additional concerns or questions then we recommend reaching out to your local dentist.  If you are in the Greenville, NC then reach out to your local Greenville NC Dentist.