Children lose around 20 baby teeth, also called milk teeth, between the ages of 6 and 12 years old. It can be overwhelming when children lose their first tooth, especially when it feels as though they’ve just had their milk teeth eruption. When children start losing baby teeth, it can be an exciting time, but also one where dental care truly matters — as our team at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist know intimately.
This turbulent time can also raise many questions like “which teeth will my child lose first” and “when will their adult teeth come in”. Our diligent team of paediatric dentists have set out to answer these questions and many more for you here today so you’re well and ready once they start losing teeth.
Key Takeaways
- Children have 20 deciduous teeth to start off with, which are eventually replaced by their adult teeth between the ages of 6 and 13.
- Genetics, nutrition, and oral hygiene have a major impact on when children will lose their 20 baby teeth.
How Many Teeth do Children Have?
Children generally have 20 primary teeth (deciduous teeth), which are eventually replaced with adult teeth as they grow older. This first set of teeth are called baby teeth, which help with chewing food, speaking, and ensuring there’s enough space for the adult teeth to come in. Once a child has lost all their baby teeth, they’re eventually replaced by the 32 permanent teeth that adults have.
When do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth? | Stages of Teeth Development Explained
Children tend to start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6 and continue to lose teeth until they reach 12 years old. How many milk teeth fall out and in which order can vary, but will generally follow a set pattern. We’ve drawn up a timeline of when you can expect what during your child’s teeth development.
- Birth to 6 Months: Babies are born with a full set of teeth sitting beneath their gums. These baby teeth have thinner enamel and different roots compared to adult teeth, making them easier to lose.
- 6 to 12 Months: Your baby’s first teeth will erupt at six months old. The lower incisors are the first teeth to erupt, followed by the upper central incisors.
- 12 Months to 36 Months: The rest of your baby’s teeth will erupt over the next two years until your child is around three years old. The remaining incisors, molars, and then canines will erupt over this period.
- 6 to 13 Years Old: Around age 6 your child will begin losing their baby teeth, starting with the central incisors. Over the years this is followed by the lateral incisors, the canines and first molars, then the second back molars and any remaining permanent teeth.
When kids start losing their baby teeth, it’s critically important that you check in with your paediatric dentist to assess their dental health. Not only will this help you diagnose any potential issues during a vulnerable time for your child’s dental care, but your dentist can also give more accurate estimates on how many baby teeth will fall out soon and in what order.
What Affects When Children Lose Their Teeth?
Genetics play the most significant role influencing when your child will lose their teeth and which baby teeth will fall out first. Studies demonstrate that there’s a direct link between tooth eruptions and losses based on your child’s heritage, with over 70% of timing linked to genetics. Other major influences on when your baby’s teeth fall out include:
- Nutrition
- Oral Hygiene
- Dental Trauma
- Pregnancy
- Health Conditions (diabetes and autoimmune disorders)
Your child’s teeth growth and when their first baby teeth will fall out can be influenced by many factors, so it’s important to maintain proper oral hygiene practices throughout this time period.
When do Children Get Their Adult Teeth?
Children get their adult teeth around the same time their baby teeth come out (between 6 and 12 years of age). By age 12, your child will likely lose all of their baby teeth and begin to notice the permanent adult teeth coming in. Like with the loss of baby teeth, when children’s adult teeth begin coming in will depend on factors like genetics and oral hygiene.
How Can I Help My Child When They Lose Their Baby Teeth?
You can help your children when they lose their baby teeth by providing lots of encouragement, answering any of their questions, and celebrating this milestone in their journey. Sometimes children will react negatively when they lose their baby teeth, especially front teeth that impact their smile. It’s always important to acknowledge their feelings and ensure you’re providing plenty of physical comfort.
If you experience any issues when your kids start losing teeth, you need a paediatric dentist that specialises in care for tiny tots. Our team of specialists at Brisbane Paediatric Dentist help the healthy development of your children’s teeth, from birth to adulthood. Phone (07) 3343 4880 to contact us today.
FAQs on How Many Teeth do Children Lose?
Is Early Tooth Loss a Problem?
Yes, early tooth loss is a problem that can potentially impact their adult teeth too. Most baby teeth serve as a placeholder for adult teeth, so losing them too early can lead to dental misalignment, speed development issues, difficulties chewing, and their oral health.
When does a Child Need to Remove Their Wisdom Teeth?
A child may not need to remove their wisdom teeth at all. It all depends on whether their wisdom teeth impact the rest of their teeth. An impacted wisdom tooth, however, should be removed to reduce the risk of infections, tooth decay, or gum disease. Most children tend to have their impacted wisdom teeth removed between the ages of 16 and 22.
Back to Top: How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?
