Losing That 1st Tooth

Most 1st teeth are lost between 6 and 7 years old.  If your child’s teeth erupted early, they are more likely to lose them sooner.  Baby teeth loosen as their roots dissolve to make room for permanent teeth.  Most children will have all 20 of their primary teeth by the age of 2 ½ .  The bottom front teeth are usually lost 1st with the top front teeth coming out next.  It may take a few months from the time your child first notices a loose tooth until it falls out.  Generally, all of your child’s primary teeth will have fallen out by the time they become a teenager.  Secondary or adult teeth, however, begin pushing through as soon as baby teeth disappear.  Adult teeth will be larger, may have ridges, and will be slightly less white than baby teeth.  In some cases not all of the secondary teeth may appear until the late teens or early 20’s with wisdom teeth erupting between 17 and 22 years old unless they are impacted or never formed.  Not every child follows the standard calendar for tooth development, so please consult your dentist if you have any questions or concerns.