As parents, it is normal to be curious (and sometimes worried!) about your child’s changing smile. Which teeth are supposed to fall out? When does it happen? And most importantly—is that new tooth in the back a milk tooth or a permanent one?
At Dental Planet Mysore, we help hundreds of parents navigate this transition. Here is your simple guide to understanding the “Tooth Fairy” years.
The Timeline: When Do They Fall Out?
Children have a total of 20 milk teeth (5 on each side, top and bottom). These usually begin to loosen and fall out around age 6 to make space for permanent teeth. However, every child is unique—some may start earlier at 5, while others may wait until 7.
The Typical Order:
- 6-7 Years: The lower and upper front teeth (Incisors) are usually the first to go.
- 7-8 Years: The teeth right next to the front ones (Lateral Incisors).
- 9-12 Years: The canines and back milk molars fall out last.
By age 12 or 13, most children will have lost all their baby teeth.
⚠️ Important: The “6-Year Molar” Warning
This is the most common confusion we see at our clinic. Around age 6, a large molar will erupt at the very back of your child’s mouth, behind the last baby tooth.
This is a PERMANENT tooth. It does not replace a baby tooth; it grows into an empty space. Many parents mistake this for a milk tooth and ignore cavities in it, thinking “it will fall out anyway.” It will not. Please make sure your child brushes this back tooth carefully!
Can We Pull a Loose Tooth Out?
The best advice is to wait. A milk tooth only loosens when the permanent tooth underneath pushes it up.
- It’s okay to wiggle: If the tooth is very loose, your child can gently wiggle it with their tongue or clean fingers.
- Don’t force it: Pulling a tooth before it is ready can damage the sensitive gum tissue and cause infection. Let it fall out naturally while eating or brushing.
Will It Hurt?
Your child might feel a little tingling or soreness. When the tooth finally falls out, there may be a tiny amount of bleeding. This is normal! Have them bite on a piece of clean cotton or gauge for 5 minutes, and the bleeding will stop.
When Should You Visit the Dentist?
While losing teeth is natural, you should book an appointment if:
- A permanent tooth starts growing behind a milk tooth (Shark Teeth appearance).
- The milk tooth is loose but hasn’t fallen out for months, causing pain.
- Your child is over 8 years old and hasn’t lost any teeth yet.
Have questions about your child’s teeth? Don’t panic! Dr. Avinash and our team are here to check if your child’s development is on track.
📍 Visit Us: Dental Planet, Vijayanagar 1st Stage, Mysore. 📞 Call to Book: 6362627736