When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out (& Do Loose Ones Hurt?)

Medically reviewed by Dr. Zee Wang at Kids Dental Group

The first loose tooth often catches parents by surprise. One minute your child is happily eating dinner, and the next they’re asking why their tooth is wiggling, or whether it’s supposed to hurt. Whether they’re excited or a little nervous, it’s normal to have questions too.

This guide explains when baby teeth typically fall out, why they become loose, whether discomfort is normal, when to let nature take its course, and when it’s time to see a dentist.

Key takeaways

• Most children begin losing baby teeth around age six, with a normal range of about five to eight.
• Children lose all 20 baby teeth around age twelve to thirteen, in roughly the order they came in.
• Yes, baby teeth have roots. The roots slowly dissolve as the permanent tooth pushes up, which is why the tooth loosens and eventually falls out on its own.
• Mild soreness and a little bleeding are normal. Severe pain, swelling, pus, or fever is not, and warrants a dental visit.
• Let a loose tooth fall out naturally. Only remove one that is hanging by a thread, and never force it.

When do baby teeth start falling out?

Most children begin losing baby teeth around age six, with a normal range of roughly five to seven. The first to go are usually the two bottom front teeth, and baby teeth tend to fall out in roughly the same order they came in. This is a developmental milestone, not a problem to fix.

If your child starts earlier or later than a friend’s child, that is almost always fine. Some kids lose their first tooth at five, others closer to seven or even a little beyond. Timing runs in families and varies from one child to the next.

So if you have a nervous four-year-old convinced they should already have a wiggly tooth, or a calm seven-year-old with a full set still firmly in place, both can be perfectly on track. This is a chance to treat the whole thing as the exciting stage it is, rather than a checklist your child is falling behind on.

How many baby teeth fall out, and when does it end?

Children have 20 baby teeth, and all 20 fall out over several years, typically finishing around age twelve to thirteen. The process is gradual and spread out, so months can pass between one lost tooth and the next. That spacing is completely normal.

Here is the general pattern of when each group tends to loosen:

• Lower front teeth (central incisors): around ages 6 to 8
• Upper front teeth (central incisors): around ages 6 to 8
• Lateral incisors, the teeth beside the front ones: around ages 7 to 8
• First molars, further back: around ages 9 to 11
• Canines, the pointed teeth: around ages 9 to 13
• Second molars, the very back baby teeth: around ages 10 to 13

Treat these ranges as a rough guide, not a schedule. A wide age range at each stage is expected, and a long gap where nothing seems to be happening is not a cause for concern on its own. If you want a professional to confirm everything is developing as it should, a routine checkup is the easiest way to get that reassurance.

Do baby teeth have roots? Why teeth get loose

Yes, baby teeth have roots, just like adult teeth. Parents are often surprised by this because the teeth that fall out usually look like small caps with little or no root attached. The reason is simple: by the time a tooth comes out, most of the root is already gone.

As the permanent tooth develops underneath, it slowly pushes upward and the baby tooth’s root begins to dissolve, a process called resorption (the body reabsorbing the root over time). With less root anchoring it to the bone, the tooth starts to wiggle. Eventually so little root remains that the tooth comes free with almost no effort.

This is also why some children barely notice a tooth falling out while others feel every stage of it. If the root dissolves smoothly and evenly, there is little sensation. If a tooth loosens while some root is still hanging on, your child may feel more of that pulling, tender feeling. Both are normal, they just explain why one wiggly tooth feels like nothing and the next one feels like a whole ordeal.

Is a loose tooth supposed to hurt?

A loose tooth can be mildly uncomfortable, but it should not cause severe pain. Expect tender gums, a little soreness when biting, and sometimes a small amount of bleeding as the tooth gets close to coming out. Many children find the sensation more upsetting than actually painful.

If your child suddenly refuses to eat certain foods or complains while chewing, they are not being difficult. A loose tooth changes how their bite feels, and biting down on that spot can be genuinely unpleasant. Softer foods on the affected side usually help until the tooth comes out.

A lot of kids describe a loose tooth as “weird,” “tickly,” or “gross” rather than sore. For a child who does not like unexpected sensations, that feeling can be distressing, and that distress is real. Telling them it is no big deal often backfires. It helps more to name what is happening and remind them it is temporary.

Some signs, though, point to something beyond normal loosening and are worth a dental visit:

• Severe or throbbing pain
• Swelling in the gum or face
• Pus or a bad taste that does not go away
• Fever alongside the mouth pain
• Pain that is not clearly tied to the loose tooth, which can suggest a cavity or infection nearby

We do not want you to self-diagnose from this list. If the pain seems bigger than a wiggly tooth should explain, that is exactly the moment to have someone take a look.

If your child’s discomfort is getting in the way of eating or sleeping, or you are simply not sure what is normal, our pediatric specialists can sort out what is loose-tooth soreness and what needs attention. Book a consultation or call any of our four locations.

Should you pull a loose tooth?

In most cases, the best thing to do is nothing. Letting a baby tooth fall out on its own is almost always the right call, because the tooth is telling you when it is ready. A tooth should only come out when it is extremely loose, hanging by a thread, which means the root has fully dissolved.

Here is a gentle approach that avoids pain:

• Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth themselves with a clean finger or their tongue. Because they control the pressure, they stop before it hurts.
• Let the tooth loosen over days. There is no rush.
• When it is barely attached, gentle pressure with a clean tissue or piece of gauze is usually all it takes. Often it comes out during eating without any effort at all.

What to avoid:

• Do not force, twist, or yank a tooth that still feels firmly attached.
• Skip the string-on-a-doorknob method. It is a classic for a reason, but it can pull a tooth that is not ready.
• Do not push through your child’s protests. If it hurts, it is not ready.

Forcing a tooth out too early can cause real pain, more bleeding than necessary, and an open spot that is more prone to infection. Patience genuinely is the safest tool here.

When to call the dentist

Most loose teeth need nothing more than time and a little patience. Reach out to a dentist when the situation goes beyond ordinary loosening, so you can rule out anything that needs treatment. A quick assessment usually brings more relief than another late-night search through parenting forums.

Call if you notice:

• Severe or persistent pain
• Bleeding that will not stop after gentle pressure
• A tooth that became loose because of a fall, a sports injury, or another accident
• Swelling, pus, fever, or other signs of infection

There are also “shark teeth,” the nickname for when a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet, creating a double row. It looks alarming, but it is fairly common and often resolves on its own as the baby tooth loosens and falls out. Still, it is worth a professional look to decide whether the baby tooth needs a little help coming out so the adult tooth can settle into place.

If a loose tooth is the result of an injury, do not wait to see how it settles. That is when a same-day visit makes sense. Our emergency dental care team can check whether the surrounding teeth and gums are affected.

Our pediatric and orthodontic specialists work with children, and much of what we do is aimed at keeping visits calm and low-stress. Bringing your child in for a wobbly tooth that has become concerning is not an overreaction. It is a straightforward way to get clarity, address any concerns and move on with your evening.

When to book a visit

If your child’s loose tooth is causing real pain, will not stop bleeding, or an adult tooth is coming in behind it, our pediatric and orthodontic specialists are here to help. Schedule a consultation, book online, or call any of our four locations.

Frequently asked questions

How long does a loose tooth stay loose?

It varies, but a loose baby tooth often falls out within a few weeks once it starts wiggling. Some hang on longer as the root finishes dissolving. As long as your child is not in significant pain and there are no signs of infection, letting it take its time is fine.

Can a loose tooth bleed?

Yes. A little bleeding is normal, especially as the tooth loosens further or comes out, since the gum around it is separating. Have your child bite gently on a clean piece of gauze or tissue. If bleeding is heavy or does not stop after a while, contact your dentist.

What happens if my child swallows a baby tooth?

It is more common than you would think and generally harmless. A swallowed baby tooth typically passes through the digestive system without any problem. If your child has any breathing difficulty or discomfort, seek medical care, but in most cases there is nothing to worry about.

What are shark teeth in kids?

“Shark teeth” is the nickname for when a permanent tooth comes in behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out yet, creating a double row. It is fairly common and often resolves on its own, but it is worth having a dentist take a look to decide whether the baby tooth needs help coming out.

Is it normal for baby teeth to fall out in a certain order?

Usually yes. Baby teeth tend to fall out in roughly the same order they came in, often starting with the two bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth, then the ones further back. Some variation is completely normal.