When do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
11.02.2026

From the time the first baby tooth falls out until the last permanent tooth fully erupts, the process takes about 3 years. In other words, a child who starts losing baby teeth at the age of 5 will have their new permanent teeth by the age of 8.

Baby teeth are very important for oral health. The baby teeth present in a child’s mouth play a crucial role during their growth and development. After baby teeth erupt, they begin to increase in number, which is important for many aspects of a child’s development, from speech to pronunciation. Taking good care of these teeth during this developmental stage is extremely important—both to help children get used to oral hygiene habits and to protect dental health. For this reason, starting tooth brushing during this period is very important.

When do baby teeth fall out? Generally speaking, the correct answer is that they usually begin to fall out after the age of 5. Baby teeth start to loosen and fall out as the permanent teeth underneath push upward. From the loss of the first baby tooth to the full eruption of the last permanent tooth takes about 3 years. That means a child who loses baby teeth at age 5 will typically have their new teeth by age 8.

Eruption and Shedding Times of Baby Teeth

Upper Teeth:

  • 1st incisors erupt between 8 and 12 months and fall out between ages 6 and 7.
  • 2nd lateral incisors erupt between 9 and 13 months and fall out between ages 7 and 8.
  • Canine teeth erupt between 16 and 22 months and fall out between ages 10 and 12.
  • 1st molars erupt between 13 and 19 months and fall out between ages 9 and 11.
  • 2nd molars erupt between 25 and 33 months and fall out between ages 10 and 12.

Lower Teeth:

  • 1st incisors erupt between 6 and 10 months and fall out between ages 6 and 7.
  • 2nd lateral incisors erupt between 10 and 16 months and fall out between ages 7 and 8.
  • Canine teeth erupt between 17 and 23 months and fall out between ages 9 and 12.
  • 1st molars erupt between 14 and 18 months and fall out between ages 9 and 11.
  • 2nd molars erupt between 23 and 31 months and fall out between ages 10 and 12.

Frequently Asked Questions About Baby Teeth

What Happens If a Baby Tooth Is Swallowed? Swallowing a baby tooth is a very common situation in children. When children reach the age at which baby teeth begin to fall out, they notice the looseness of their teeth. Some children do not allow their parents to touch their teeth, which can cause the tooth to become more loose while eating and eventually be swallowed without the child realizing it. If symptoms such as coughing or fever occur, a doctor should be consulted immediately. If there are no symptoms, the child should be observed at home and the tooth should naturally pass through the digestive system.

When Is a Baby Tooth Extracted? When children first get their baby teeth, some uninformed parents do not pay enough attention to them, assuming they will eventually fall out anyway. However, due to poor dietary habits and inadequate tooth brushing, these teeth can decay and start causing pain. Because of this pain, children may have difficulty eating, and even if the tooth is loose, they may not be able to pull it out due to discomfort. At this stage, a dentist should be consulted and the baby tooth may need to be extracted. Additionally, baby teeth that do not fall out despite pressure from the permanent tooth underneath should also be extracted under a doctor’s supervision.

How Is a Baby Tooth Pulled? Baby teeth first begin to loosen and then gradually reach the stage where they are ready to fall out. When the tooth is ready to be pulled, you can use a clean index finger and gently move the tooth at a 45-degree angle. If it is sufficiently loose, it has reached the falling stage, and pulling it at this point is important because it could even fall out while biting bread. If the tooth is a lower tooth, it should be pulled upward; if it is an upper tooth, it should be pulled downward. If you are afraid to do this or feel uncomfortable at the sight of blood, you can visit your dentist and ask them to extract the baby tooth.

How Is Baby Tooth Treatment Done? Baby tooth treatment is usually performed under local anesthesia to prevent the child from feeling pain during the procedure. No pain is felt during the treatment itself, but after the numbness wears off, mild pain may be experienced for one or two days. Extracting and treating baby teeth is generally very easy because baby teeth fall out as the permanent teeth push them from underneath. Since they do not have deep roots, both extraction and treatment are relatively simple.

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Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist

Tülay AKKOL

Chief Dentist and Tülay Akkol Dental founder Tülay Akkol shares valuable insights on dental health and care, offering practical tips for everyday life. Her articles also highlight the latest innovations and developments in dentistry, helping readers stay informed about the industry's advancements.

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