What is the sequence in which baby teeth are lost?

The transition from baby teeth to larger adult teeth marks a significant milestone in a child's development. These primary teeth, often referred to as deciduous teeth, usually begin to fall out around age 6, often during meals. Many people have fond memories of losing a baby tooth while eating.

Girls may experience the arrival of adult teeth slightly earlier than boys. Occasionally, baby teeth don’t loosen sufficiently, causing adult teeth to emerge simultaneously and create crowding. In such situations, a dentist might need to extract the baby tooth to allow proper alignment. Overlapping teeth can affect growth, so it’s crucial to monitor your child’s dental development closely.

While the sequence of losing primary teeth can differ, they generally fall out in the same order they appeared. Typically, the lower front teeth are the first to go, followed by the upper front teeth. The lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and remaining molars usually follow, though the exact order may vary.

Injuries to the teeth can lead to early loss. Given how active children are, it’s not unusual for a playground accident, like an accidental elbow to the face, to dislodge baby teeth before they’re ready to fall out. In such cases, there’s typically no cause for concern—just manage the bleeding and watch for signs of infection.

By the time your child enters their teenage years, all baby teeth should have fallen out, with the majority of this process occurring between ages 10 and 11. When it’s time to remove a tooth, your child might feel either nervous or thrilled about the experience.