Are you a new parent? Whether this is your first baby or your second or third, each child is unique. In addition to having different personalities and sleep habits, they might also vary when it comes to tooth eruption and loss. To get a better idea of what you can expect, here is a go-to guide you can refer to as your little one’s baby teeth come in and fall out in preparation for their permanent ones.
What is the Average Timeline for Tooth Eruption?
As soon as you notice that your baby is drooling more or gumming their hand, you can begin to prepare for the teething stage. This is common between 6 and 12 months of age and often contains bouts of fussiness, discomfort, and crying. Some children may begin teething as early as 3-4 months.
The typical timeline after your child starts teething includes the first tooth erupting between the ages of 6 and 12. This process will continue until all 20 primary teeth have fully erupted by the age of 3.
How Soon Will My Child’s Teeth Begin Falling Out?
If your child is about 6 years old, you can expect them to start losing their baby teeth. Some children lose their first tooth earlier or later; each child is different, so it’s not the same for everyone.
Similar to how they erupt, you can expect them to fall out the same way. Your child will likely lose their lower front two teeth first (between the ages of 6 and 7) and continue to do so until their second molars fall out around 10-12 years of age.
Some Need-to-Know Facts to Help You Better Prepare
Now that you know a bit more about when to expect your child’s first tooth to erupt and when they will start falling out, here are a few additional facts you can keep in mind:
- Girls are more likely to lose their baby teeth sooner than boys
- Lower teeth are more likely to erupt before upper teeth
- Once your child reaches the age of 3, all their primary (baby) teeth will have erupted (not in all cases, but most)
- Your child’s baby teeth will look whiter than their permanent ones
Your child’s pearly whites deserve the best attention when it comes to monitoring their oral health. Knowing when to say goodbye and when to say hello to their developing smile will help you feel more confident at each new stage.
About the Author
Dr. Ryne S. Paulson is a pediatric dentist who has been practicing since 2020. Treating patients of all ages, he enjoys helping parents become more informed about their children’s oral health. This is especially true when baby teeth are erupting and falling out. His approach to patient education makes this information easy to understand, so everyone knows what to expect. If you have questions about your child’s baby teeth, contact us via our website or by calling (307) 855-1745 to schedule a consultation.