What age are baby teeth (milk teeth) lost?

Baby teeth, also known as primary or deciduous teeth, typically begin to get loose and fall out to make way for permanent teeth at different ages. Here's a general timeline:

1. Loosening of Baby Teeth

: Baby teeth usually start to become loose and fall out around the age of 6 years, but this can vary. They become loose because the permanent teeth underneath start to push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to resorb or dissolve. This process gradually weakens the baby teeth until they are loose enough to fall out.

2. Order of Tooth Loss and Replacement:

Typically, the two bottom front teeth are the first to go, followed by the top front teeth. The others follow over the next several years. By age 12 or 13, most children have lost all of their baby teeth, and their permanent teeth have taken their place.

3. Differences in Eruption of Adult Teeth:

The timing of when adult teeth come in can vary. Generally, the first adult teeth to erupt are the first molars (around 6 years of age), even before any baby teeth are lost. The last are usually the wisdom teeth, which can appear anywhere from late adolescence to early adulthood. Sometimes, not all adults have wisdom teeth, or these teeth can be impacted, meaning they don't fully erupt.

4. Variations;

It's important to note that there can be considerable variation in these ages. Some children may lose their first tooth as early as 4 or as late as 7. Similarly, the eruption of adult teeth can vary in timing.

5. Dental Check-ups:

Regular dental check-ups are important during this phase to ensure the teeth are developing normally and to identify any potential issues early.

Remember, these ages are averages, and there can be a wide range of normal variation. If there are concerns about a child's teeth, it's best to consult with a dentist.