When do children typically start losing their baby teeth, and what is the general timeline for this process?
### Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Children usually start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6. This process continues until they are about 12 years old. Here's a general timeline:
1. **Lower Central Incisors**: These are usually the first to go, around age 6-7.
2. **Upper Central Incisors**: These follow shortly after, around age 7-8.
3. **Lateral Incisors**: The upper lateral incisors usually fall out next, around age 7-8, followed by the lower lateral incisors.
4. **First Molars**: These are typically lost between ages 9-11.
5. **Canines**: These are usually lost between ages 9-12.
6. **Second Molars**: These are the last baby teeth to go, usually between ages 10-12.
By age 13, most children have a full set of permanent teeth. Wisdom teeth may come in during the late teenage years, but not everyone gets them.
### Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Baby teeth act as placeholders for permanent teeth. When a permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the root of the baby tooth dissolves, making the tooth loose until it falls out.
### Dental Health Tips
- **Regular Check-ups**: Schedule your child's first dental visit by their first birthday and continue with check-ups every 6 months.
- **Proper Hygiene**: Teach your child to brush and floss regularly to maintain good dental health.
- **Tooth Fairy Fun**: Introducing the tooth fairy can make losing teeth a fun experience for your child.
If your child's teeth are slow to erupt or fall out, consult a dentist to ensure everything is on track.