Baby teeth

How many teeth do kids lose?

Children have 20 baby teeth and lose all of them, usually between about ages 6 and 12, in roughly the order they came in. Permanent teeth replace them, with first molars arriving around ages 6 to 7 and second molars around 11 to 13, and up to four wisdom teeth later, for a total of 32. Permanent molars should not fall out on their own.

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How many teeth do kids lose?

All 20 baby teeth. Cleveland Clinic says baby teeth are shed from about age 6 to 12, and Healthline says children have 20 baby teeth in total, typically falling out between about ages 6 and 12, with a full set of permanent teeth by about 13. Cleveland Clinic says most of the 28 permanent teeth, not counting wisdom teeth, are usually in place by age 13, and adults typically have 32 permanent teeth when all four wisdom teeth come in.

What order do baby teeth come in?

Cleveland Clinic says the lower central incisors usually come in first, followed by the top four front teeth, and all 20 baby teeth are typically in place by about 2.5 to 3 years. Its chart gives approximate ages for each tooth, and ranges vary between children.

  • Central incisors: upper 8 to 12 months, lower 6 to 10 months.
  • Lateral incisors: upper 9 to 13 months, lower 10 to 16 months.
  • First molars: upper 13 to 19 months, lower 14 to 18 months.
  • Canines: upper 16 to 22 months, lower 17 to 23 months.
  • Second molars: upper 25 to 33 months, lower 23 to 31 months.

What order do baby teeth fall out?

Cleveland Clinic says teeth generally come out in the order they came in, with the lower central incisors first at about 6 to 7 years. Its chart shows central incisors lost at 6 to 7 years, lateral incisors at 7 to 8, first molars at 9 to 11, canines at about 9 to 12 and second molars at 10 to 12. Healthline's ranges are similar, with minor differences, such as lower canines at 9 to 12 years. Timing varies, and losses often come in bursts.

When do back molars come in?

Cleveland Clinic says the first permanent molars arrive at 6 to 7 years, behind the baby teeth, so they do not replace a baby tooth. The second permanent molars, sometimes called 12-year molars, arrive at 12 to 13 years for the upper teeth and 11 to 13 years for the lower. Wisdom teeth, the third molars, usually emerge between 17 and 21 years according to this chart, though Cleveland Clinic's wisdom teeth page gives 17 to 25.

Do you lose your molars?

Baby molars, yes. Healthline says the primary first molars usually fall out between ages 9 and 11, and are usually not painful to lose, and the primary second molars, the last baby teeth to go, between 10 and 12. Permanent molars are different: Cleveland Clinic says a loose permanent tooth is never typical and signals an underlying problem, so a loose permanent molar needs a dentist. Our guide on loose teeth explains what to do.

Why baby teeth matter

Cleveland Clinic says baby teeth matter beyond their short time in the mouth: they hold space for permanent teeth, shape the face, support speech and nutrition, and help permanent teeth develop healthily. That is why baby teeth still need regular brushing and flossing, and why losing one early to decay or injury is worth a dentist's look.

When timing is outside the usual range

Cleveland Clinic says most of the time timing is normal variation. It advises seeing a dentist if baby teeth fall out before age 4 or none have fallen out by age 8 or 9, or if permanent teeth are not coming in, or a tooth is lost to an injury. Healthline says to speak with a dentist if teeth come in or fall out more than a year behind the usual timeline.

Frequently asked questions

How many teeth do kids lose?

All 20 baby teeth, usually between about ages 6 and 12.

What order do baby teeth come in?

Usually lower central incisors first, then the top front teeth, then lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars, with all 20 in by about 2.5 to 3 years.

When do back molars come in?

First permanent molars at about 6 to 7 years and second molars at about 11 to 13 years.

Do you lose your molars?

Baby molars fall out between about 9 and 12. Permanent molars should not fall out on their own.

Will molar teeth fall out?

Baby molars will. A loose permanent molar is a reason to see a dentist.

When do second molars come in?

Around ages 11 to 13, according to Cleveland Clinic's eruption chart.

Sources

General education only. Where sources give different timings, this guide shows the range and tells you to follow your own clinician.

This guide provides general information only and is not a substitute for professional medical or dental advice. If you have a concern about your health, please consult your nearest doctor or dentist.