Wobbly teeth are a rite of passage in childhood — but for many parents, it can be hard to know what’s normal and what warrants a closer look. Is it too early? Too late? Should that tooth have fallen out by now?
Understanding the development of permanent teeth and when they’re supposed to fall out helps you stay one step ahead. It also makes it easier to spot anything that might need attention before it becomes a bigger problem.
This guide walks through the full timeline of baby tooth loss, what to expect at each stage, and why caring for those primary teeth — even though they’re temporary — matters far more than most parents realise.
Why Baby Teeth Matter More Than You Might Think
It’s a common assumption: baby teeth fall out anyway, so they don’t need the same level of care as adult teeth. This is one of the most widespread misconceptions in children’s dental health — and it can cause real problems down the line.
Baby teeth serve several important functions beyond just chewing. They hold the space in the jaw that permanent teeth need to erupt correctly. When a baby tooth is lost too early — through decay or trauma — neighbouring teeth can shift into that space, causing the adult tooth to come through crooked or impacted.
They also play a role in speech development and help children chew a varied, nutritious diet during critical growth years. A paediatric dentist will assess not just whether teeth are present, but whether they’re positioned correctly and developing on schedule.
How the Baby-to-Adult Tooth Transition Works
Children are born with 20 primary teeth already forming beneath the gums. These begin to erupt at around six months of age and continue coming through until roughly two to three years old.
The transition to permanent teeth begins when the adult teeth start developing below the baby teeth. As they grow, they exert pressure on the roots of the primary teeth above them, causing those roots to gradually dissolve. Once the root is gone, the tooth becomes loose and eventually falls out. The permanent tooth then continues its journey upward to take its place.
This is why there’s often a gap — sometimes months — between a baby tooth falling out and the adult tooth fully appearing. That toothless grin is completely normal.
When Do Children Lose Each Baby Tooth?
The process follows a fairly consistent sequence, though timing can vary by a year or more in either direction without being a cause for concern.
Ages 6 to 7 — Central Incisors
The lower central incisors are usually the first to go, typically around age six or seven. These are the same teeth that came in first as a baby, between six and ten months of age. Shortly after, the upper central incisors follow, usually between ages seven and eight.
Ages 7 to 9 — Lateral Incisors
Next come the lateral incisors — the teeth on either side of the central incisors. The lower laterals typically fall out between ages seven and eight, with the upper laterals following between eight and nine.
Ages 9 to 11 — First Molars
The first molars are shed between ages nine and eleven. These are further back in the mouth and often require more time to loosen. Regular monitoring at this stage is important, as problems with molar development can affect bite alignment.
Ages 10 to 12 — Canines and Second Molars
The canines and second molars are the last baby teeth to go, usually between ages ten and twelve. By around age twelve, most children will have lost all twenty of their primary teeth and their full set of permanent teeth — excluding wisdom teeth — will be coming through.
Tooth Loss Age Chart
The table below provides a quick reference for when each set of baby teeth is typically lost. Keep in mind that individual timing can vary — if your child is outside these ranges, it’s worth mentioning at their next visit rather than waiting.
| Age Range | Number of Teeth Lost | Specific Teeth |
|---|---|---|
| 6-7 years | 2 | Lower central incisors |
| 7-8 years | 2 | Upper central incisors |
| 7-8 years | 2 | Lower lateral incisors |
| 8-9 years | 2 | Upper lateral incisors |
| 9-11 years | 4 | First molars (both upper and lower) |
| 10-12 years | 4 | Lower canines and upper first premolars |
| 10-12 years | 4 | Upper canines and lower first premolars |
| 11-12 years | 4 | Second molars (both upper and lower) |
Which Teeth Do Children Typically Lose Around Age 10?
By age ten, most children have already lost their central and lateral incisors and are in the process of losing their first molars and canines. The permanent replacements for these teeth are either already present or actively erupting.
This is also the stage where premature tooth loss becomes a more significant concern. If a baby tooth is lost earlier than expected due to decay or injury, preventing bone loss after early tooth extraction becomes an important consideration — early intervention can protect the spacing needed for adult teeth to erupt properly.
The Teething Phase: What to Expect and How to Help
Before the first baby teeth appear, most babies go through a teething phase. The pressure of teeth pushing through the gums causes the gums to become swollen and sore, which is why babies become irritable and tend to chew on anything they can find.
Teething typically begins around two to three months of age, though the first teeth usually don’t appear until around six months. During this time, a cold teething ring or gentle gum massage can help relieve discomfort.
As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s time to start cleaning it. Use a soft, damp cloth or a small, soft-bristled baby toothbrush twice a day. Fluoride toothpaste is generally not recommended until around age two to three, depending on your dentist’s guidance.
Why Caring for Baby Teeth Sets Up Adult Teeth for Success
The most common mistake parents make is assuming that because baby teeth are temporary, decay doesn’t really matter. In reality, untreated decay in baby teeth can spread to the surrounding tissue, cause pain and infection, and compromise the development of the permanent teeth waiting underneath.
Bacteria that accumulate on poorly cared-for baby teeth don’t simply disappear when those teeth fall out. The same habits and microbial environment carry over into the adult dentition, increasing the risk of early cavities in permanent teeth.
Establishing good habits early — brushing twice a day, limiting sugary drinks and snacks, and attending regular dental check-up and clean appointments — gives permanent teeth the best possible foundation.
When Should Children Start Seeing a Dentist?
The recommendation from dental health authorities in Australia is that children should have their first dental visit by around twelve months of age — or within six months of the first tooth appearing. This might seem early, but it allows the dentist to check that development is on track and give parents practical guidance on home care.
From there, six-monthly visits are generally recommended throughout childhood. Around ages four to five, X-rays are often taken to check on the development of teeth beneath the gumline and identify any issues that aren’t visible to the naked eye.
A children’s dental check-up at this stage isn’t just about finding problems — it’s about making sure the jaw is developing correctly, that spacing is adequate for incoming permanent teeth, and that any early signs of misalignment are caught before they become harder to manage.
A Note on Wisdom Teeth
Wisdom teeth — the third set of molars — typically appear in late adolescence or early adulthood. Unlike the other permanent teeth, they often cause problems rather than solving them. Most people don’t have sufficient room in their jaw to accommodate wisdom teeth, and as a result they can emerge at awkward angles, become impacted, or push neighbouring teeth out of alignment.
Wisdom teeth extraction is common and often recommended proactively to prevent crowding and reduce the risk of infection. Your dentist will monitor their development and advise on the right timing.
Preventing Tooth Loss From Childhood Into Adulthood
The habits formed in childhood have a direct impact on dental health in adulthood. Enamel that is weakened by early decay, gums that have experienced repeated inflammation, and teeth that have shifted due to premature loss all create challenges that compound over time.
Good preventive care — consistent brushing and flossing, a balanced diet, and regular professional monitoring — is the most effective strategy at every age. For children especially, the investment in early care pays dividends for decades.
If you’re ever unsure whether your child’s tooth development is on track, the right move is always to ask. A quick check at a routine visit is far better than waiting to see what happens.
Welcoming Families From Across the North Shore
We see children and families from Chatswood and the surrounding suburbs every day. If you’re coming from Artarmon, Willoughby, or North Ryde, our practice is easy to get to and our team is experienced in making young patients feel at ease from the very first visit.
Whether you’re booking your child’s first appointment or keeping up with their regular care, our Simply Dental Chatswood team is here to help. Book a children’s dental appointment today and give your child’s smile the best possible start.
