When Do Baby Molars Fall Out?

A Look at the Ages and Stages of Teeth

When your child loses his first tooth, it’s an exciting event. After a while, though, you may start to lose track of how many teeth are coming and going. After all, it can be a six-year event! The molars will not only be the last teeth to come in, but also the last ones to come out.

How Many Teeth Do Children Have?

Girl with lost tooth

When Does a Toddler Cut Molars?

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Children typically have 20 baby teeth, which are also known as primary teeth. These include eight molars ‒ four on the bottom of the mouth and four on top. These are called the first and second molars, and they usually come in between ages 1 and 3. Children typically have 32 permanent teeth after they all come in. These include the eight first and second premolars, which emerge around age 10 to 12. Some people will have up to four more molars erupt, known as third molars, or, more commonly, wisdom teeth. One wisdom tooth is in all four back corners of the mouth. They may appear between ages 17 and 21.

When Do Teeth Start Falling Out?

At around age 6, children begin to lose their baby teeth. This is just an estimate, and your child may lose his first tooth earlier or later. The front teeth typically fall out first, followed by the incisors. The molars are next, and fall out between ages 9 and 12, beginning with the first molars around age 9 to 11, and the second molars around age 10 to 12. For those keeping track, that’s eight molars your child will lose, with permanent molars taking their place.

What Do Molars Look Like?

Girl with lost tooth

How Long Does it Take for a Baby to Cut Molars?

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When your child loses a molar, she may experience a little bleeding. Your child’s primary molars are smaller than the permanent molars that will erupt. The primary molars may also be whiter than the permanent teeth that follow. It is not uncommon for the permanent teeth to look more yellow. This could be caused by medicine, fluoride or an accident that damaged the tooth. If you have concerns about your child’s molars, discuss them with your dentist.

How Do You Care for Molars?

When cavities occur, they are often in between the molars. It’s important for your child to brush carefully, reaching all the way to the back of his mouth to get to the molars. Your child also should be flossing all his teeth, including in between the molars. You will have to show him how or ask the dentist to demonstrate. Regular check-ups with the dentist can also make sure your child’s molars stay healthy.

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