When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out? A Parent’s Guide to Tooth Loss

Losing baby teeth in Campbell CA and Los Gatos CA is a big deal in childhood—both for your little one and for you. It marks the transition from that toddler grin to a more grown-up smile and can spark lots of questions (and maybe even a visit from the Tooth Fairy!). At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to guide you through every stage with expert care and support.

Let’s explore the when, why, and how of baby teeth falling out—plus how you can help your child enjoy a smooth, healthy transition.

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What Age Do Baby Teeth Usually Fall Out?

Most kids start losing their first teeth around age six, and the process continues until about age twelve. While every child is different, the order often mirrors how the teeth first came in:

• Central incisors (front teeth): Ages 6–7
• Lateral incisors: Ages 7–8
• First molars: Ages 9–11
• Canines (cuspids): Ages 9–12
• Second molars: Ages 10–12

By the time your child turns 12 or 13, they’ll usually have a full set of permanent teeth—minus the wisdom teeth, which may arrive in the late teens or early twenties.

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Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out in the First Place?

Baby teeth aren’t just placeholders—they’re essential for eating, speaking clearly, and guiding the proper spacing of adult teeth. As the permanent teeth start to erupt, they press against the roots of the baby teeth, causing those roots to dissolve. Once the root is gone, the baby tooth loosens and eventually falls out naturally.

Think of it as nature making room for the next generation of teeth!

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How Can You Support Your Child Through the Process?

Losing teeth can feel exciting, weird, or even a little scary for some kids. Here’s how you can make the experience a positive one:

• Encourage Gentle Wiggling
  If a tooth is loose, let your child gently wiggle it with a clean finger or tissue. Avoid pulling it out before it’s ready—you don’t want to cause unnecessary pain or bleeding.
• Offer Comfort for Tender Gums
  A little soreness or minor bleeding is completely normal. Help ease discomfort by:
  • Rinsing the mouth with warm salt water
  • Applying a cool compress if the gums are swollen
  • Offering soft, easy-to-chew foods until the tenderness subsides

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What If Baby Teeth Fall Out Too Early or Stay Too Long?

Variations in timing are common, but certain red flags may require a visit to your pediatric dentist:

Early Tooth Loss

If a tooth falls out before its time due to injury or decay, nearby teeth might shift into the space. We may recommend a space maintainer to keep everything aligned for the incoming adult tooth.

Delayed Tooth Loss

If a tooth hasn’t started to loosen by the expected age, or if the adult tooth is trying to come in behind it, we’ll assess whether it needs help coming out or if further monitoring is needed.

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Why Oral Hygiene Still Matters During This Transition

Just because baby teeth are temporary doesn’t mean they’re low maintenance. In fact, caring for them properly sets the stage for strong, healthy adult teeth. Help your child develop lifelong dental habits:

• Brush twice daily with a fluoride toothpaste
• Floss once a day to remove plaque between teeth
• Visit the dentist every six months for cleanings and checkups

A clean mouth is a healthy mouth—especially as permanent teeth begin to erupt.

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Partner With Us for a Healthy, Happy Smile

At Campbell Pediatric Dentistry, we make dental visits fun, educational, and stress-free. Whether your child just lost their first tooth or you're wondering why one hasn’t budged yet, we’re here to answer questions and support your family with expert pediatric dental care.

Schedule an appointment today to make sure your child’s smile is on the right track. Together, we’ll keep those milestones memorable—and those new teeth healthy!