Ensuring that your child reaches their developmental milestones at the right time is an important part of your job as a parent. One frequent concern among parents is that their child is losing baby teeth late, a scenario that can either be harmless or point to underlying issues. If you’re concerned about the late loss of baby teeth, read on to learn what to expect, what to look out for, and what to do next.

What’s Normal for Baby Tooth Loss?

Smiling child standing near staircase

For most children, loss of baby teeth occurs at approximately age six, with wiggle room of about one year on either side. If your child is still losing baby teeth at age seven, there’s typically no cause for concern, as this is not considered losing baby teeth late. However, if your child has not yet lost their first baby tooth by their seventh birthday, it’s a good time to schedule a trip to the dentist. 

When Should I Be Concerned? 

If your child has yet to lose any baby teeth by age seven (and especially by age eight), this is often a sign of late loss of baby teeth. Additional concerns that stem from losing baby teeth late include overcrowding of teeth, which occurs when permanent teeth begin to come in before baby teeth have been lost, and orthodontic issues requiring the need for braces. While the first baby teeth are typically lost between the ages of five and seven, the last baby teeth are usually lost between the ages of 10 and 13. If your child has not yet lost their remaining baby teeth by age 13, this, too, could signal late loss of baby teeth.

What’s the Best Way to Keep My Child’s Dental Health on Track? 

little girl smiling with missing front teeth

According to the American Association of Orthodontists, age seven is the ideal time for a child’s first visit to the orthodontist. By appropriately scheduling dental and orthodontic visits for their child, parents can track the growth of their child’s teeth and jaw, and determine whether their child is actually losing their baby teeth late. Seeking out professional oral care will not only bring you and your family peace of mind, but will also help to address any issues with the late loss of baby teeth early, so you can safeguard your child’s dental health both now and into the future.