Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for every child, and you may be wondering when permanent ones will emerge. While each child is different, teeth usually develop within a general timeline. Learn about what’s normal to know when it’s time for your child to see a pediatric dentist if you have concerns.

When Teeth Fall Out & Erupt

For most children, the first baby tooth will appear around six months of age. Baby teeth will continue to erupt until about 33 months. A child will typically lose their first tooth around age six, though earlier or later is not uncommon, and the last tooth at 12. Once a baby tooth falls out, the adult one may emerge in as soon as a week or take up to half a year. Molars usually take the longest.

If your child hasn’t lost their first tooth by age seven, take them to see a pediatric dentist, who can check if a hidden issue is preventing their development. Likewise, if they’ve lost a tooth and the new one hasn’t come out after a few months have passed, seek a professional opinion.

What Affects Permanent Teeth Emergence?

Several factors can affect how and when adult teeth come out, many of them out of your control. Girls tend to lose their teeth before boys. It’s said that babies who teeth sooner will lose them sooner. If you lost your first tooth at age six, your child will likely follow the same pattern.

Baby teeth can also negatively impact how adult teeth erupt. If the teeth are overcrowded, adult ones may not be able to emerge fully, which can result in “shark teeth”—baby teeth remain on top while adult ones are forced out of the sides of the gums. This can require extensive orthodontic care to resolve. In some cases, adult teeth may not be able to erupt at all, which would require an X-ray to detect.

Ensure your child has healthy tooth loss and growth with the help of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. Serving Honolulu, HI, this team led by pediatric dentist Allen K. Hirai provides comprehensive dental care services in a welcoming atmosphere. Dr. Hirai brings over 24 years of experience to the practice. Call (808) 737-0076 to schedule an oral exam with a pediatric dentist, and visit their website to learn more about their services. You can also connect on Facebook for news and updates.