| Quick Answer: Kids lose all 20 of their baby teeth — typically between ages 6 and 12. The first to go is usually a lower front tooth (central incisor) around age 6, and the last is usually a second baby molar around age 12. By adulthood, most people have 32 permanent teeth, including 4 wisdom teeth. |
If your child just lost their first tooth and you’re wondering exactly how many more are coming, you’re in good company. At Route 66 Children’s Dentistry, our kid-focused dentists answer this question every week for Albuquerque families. The short answer: kids lose all 20 baby teeth, typically between ages 6 and 12. The longer answer involves a six-year timeline, a fairly predictable order, and a few moments worth watching for.
How Many Baby Teeth Do Kids Have?
Twenty total. By age 3, most children have a full set of 20 baby teeth — 10 on top and 10 on the bottom. Every single one is designed to fall out and be replaced by a permanent adult tooth. None of the original baby teeth are meant to stay forever.
The 20 baby teeth break down as:
- 8 incisors (front teeth)
- 4 canines (pointed teeth)
- 8 molars (back chewing teeth)
How Many Teeth Do Kids Lose?
All 20. Each baby tooth is replaced by a permanent tooth that’s been developing in the jaw underneath. The kicker is that adults end up with 32 permanent teeth (including wisdom teeth), not 20. The “extra” 12 permanent teeth — first molars, second molars, and wisdom teeth — erupt into new space behind the baby molars as the jaw grows. They don’t replace anything.
The Order Kids Lose Their Teeth
The order roughly mirrors the order baby teeth came in:
| Tooth Type | Position | Typical Loss Age |
|---|---|---|
| Central incisors | Lower front, then upper front | 6–7 years |
| Lateral incisors | Next to centrals | 7–8 years |
| First baby molars | Back baby teeth | 9–11 years |
| Canines | Pointed teeth | 9–12 years |
| Second baby molars | Furthest-back baby teeth | 10–12 years |
Variation is normal. Some kids start losing teeth at age 4 or 5; others don’t lose a single tooth until age 7 or 8. As long as the permanent tooth is visible underneath the gum and the timing falls roughly within these windows, there’s usually nothing to worry about.
What If a Tooth Is Lost Too Early?
Losing a baby tooth significantly early — before age 4 from cavity, trauma, or extraction — can cause neighboring teeth to drift into the open space. That can leave the future permanent tooth without enough room to come in straight. In those cases, a space maintainer (a small custom appliance that holds the gap open) is often recommended. Our team monitors this at every checkup.
What If a Tooth Is Lost Too Late?
Some kids hold on to baby teeth well past the typical age. Most of the time, this just means later eruption and the permanent tooth is on its way. Occasionally, it signals a missing permanent tooth (more common than you’d think — affects roughly 5% of people for at least one tooth) or an unusual eruption pattern that should be evaluated.
If your child is past age 8 and hasn’t lost any teeth, schedule a checkup. We can take an X-ray and confirm the permanent teeth are developing on schedule.
Visit Route 66 Children’s Dentistry
Albuquerque families on the West Side trust our kid-focused dental team to monitor tooth loss, eruption, and alignment from infancy through adolescence (and special needs patients up to 26). Schedule your child’s next checkup online or by phone. We accept Medicaid and most insurance plans.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many teeth do kids lose total?
Kids lose all 20 baby teeth — typically between ages 6 and 12. Each baby tooth is replaced by a permanent adult tooth that’s been developing in the jaw underneath.
At what age do kids start losing teeth?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, starting with the lower front incisors. Some kids start as early as 4, others not until 7 or 8 — both fall within the normal range.
Do kids lose their molars?
Yes — the 8 baby molars all eventually fall out and are replaced by adult premolars (also called bicuspids), typically between ages 9 and 12. Note that adult molars (first, second, and wisdom teeth) are different teeth that come in behind the baby molars and never replace anything.
What’s the order kids lose their teeth?
Generally: lower central incisors first (~age 6), then upper central incisors, then lateral incisors, then first baby molars and canines (~age 9–11), and finally second baby molars (~age 10–12).
Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?
Usually no. Let it fall out naturally — pulling early can damage the gum or leave a piece of root behind. If a tooth has been very loose for weeks and is causing real discomfort, schedule a visit so we can check it.
What if my child loses a tooth too early from injury?
Early loss from trauma can cause permanent teeth to drift into the gap. A space maintainer — a small custom appliance — may be needed to hold the space until the adult tooth erupts. We evaluate this at every visit.
|
Questions about your child’s tooth-loss timeline? We truly care about your child’s health and happiness. Reach out to get your child’s appointment scheduled. We can’t wait to see you. Route 66 Children’s Dentistry │ 111 Coors Blvd NW, Suite E-6, Albuquerque │ (505) 352-3808 │ Contact Us → |