At What Age Do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?
When a child has reached 3 years old there are usually 20 baby teeth present. Up to the age of 6 years, these teeth remain firmly in place, but then tooth loss starts to take place.
Activity in the mouth changes rapidly between the ages of 6 and 8 years when eight of these teeth are lost – one after the other. The remaining 12 stay firmly in place from age 8 to age 10 and the next mass tooth loss occurs between the age of 10 and 13 years
This tooth loss follows a certain sequence as well as a time frame but is not always consistent. The front four teeth, both lower and upper, are normally lost first, starting at age 6 with the bottom central incisors and then the top central incisors. The top and bottom lateral incisors then emerge between the ages of 7 and 8. Your child should have 8 permanent teeth by the time he or she has reached 8 years.
Tooth Loss from Upper Molars to Upper Canines
Around 10 years of age, the upper molars and lower canines are lost. Age 11 sees the loss of the lower first molars. Age 12 is the time for losing the lower second molars, which tend to be lost about the same time as the upper second molars and upper canines.
You may find that your child doesn’t fit these predictions as it’s a fact that some children lose their teeth more slowly while others may lose them more quickly.
Permanent Teeth Should Emerge within 3 Months
There may well be a reason if your child’s teeth don’t fall out in the expected sequence. If a tooth is lost and the permanent tooth does not emerge within 3 months then there could be a problem, such as a missing tooth, crowding or a crooked tooth. Dr. Demas, or one of his team at Team Demas Orthodontics, will look out for these problems when he examines your child’s teeth. These sorts of situations are important to resolve early. That’s why a first orthodontic examination should take place at 7 years, so that monitoring can take place of your child’s teeth. Tooth loss is not a disease but a natural progression of a child’s developmental changes as he or she grows up.
If you wish to seek advice about the current status of your child’s teeth, then you shouldn’t hesitate to arrange an appointment with Dr. Demas at Team Demas Orthodontics. He will ensure that the progress of your child’s teeth is monitored with the care and professionalism that he or she deserves.
Team Demas Orthodontics
27 Meriden Ave #2a, Southington, CT 06489, USA
Phone: 860-276-0333
