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Do you still have baby teeth at 10?

Most children will have lost all of their baby teeth by the age of 10. However, it is still possible for some children to have one or two baby teeth remaining at this age. Here is a quick overview of baby tooth loss and what to expect by age 10:

When do babies start getting teeth?

Babies typically start getting their first baby teeth (primary teeth) around 6 months of age. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to erupt. Teething continues as more teeth come in by around age 3.

How many baby teeth do children have?

Children have a total of 20 primary or baby teeth. The typical eruption schedule is:

  • Age 6-12 months: 4 front teeth on top and bottom
  • Age 9-13 months: 4 more front teeth on top and bottom
  • Age 16-22 months: 4 first molars
  • Age 13-19 months: 4 canines (eye teeth)
  • Age 25-33 months: 4 second molars

When do kids start losing baby teeth?

Children typically start losing their first baby teeth around age 6. The two bottom front teeth are usually the first to fall out. This marks the start of the transition from primary to permanent teeth.

What is the typical baby tooth loss timeline?

Here is an overview of the typical baby tooth loss timeline:

Age Which Teeth Fall Out
6-7 years Lower central incisors
7-8 years Upper central incisors
8-9 years Lower lateral incisors
9-10 years Upper lateral incisors
10-12 years First molars
11-12 years Canines
12-13 years Second molars

As you can see from the timeline, most children will have lost all of their front baby teeth by age 10. The molars are typically the last baby teeth to fall out between ages 10-13.

Is it normal to still have some baby teeth at age 10?

It is common and normal for some children to still have one or two baby teeth remaining at age 10, particularly the molars. According to the American Dental Association, it is rare to have more than three baby teeth left by this age. Some reasons a 10 year old may still have baby teeth include:

  • Late or delayed eruption of the permanent teeth
  • Crowding issues making it difficult for adult teeth to erupt
  • Retained root fragments of the primary tooth still in place
  • Genetics and hereditary factors

If a child still has multiple primary teeth with no permanent teeth coming in by age 10-12, it is best to see a pediatric dentist. They can evaluate what is causing the delayed tooth loss and determine the best treatment plan.

What happens if baby teeth aren’t lost by age 10-12?

If primary teeth are still retained past age 10-12 when the permanent teeth are ready to erupt, problems may develop including:

  • Permanent teeth become impacted or erupt in the wrong position
  • Crowding, crooked teeth, or bite problems
  • Increased risk of cavities from overlapping teeth
  • The permanent teeth may become damaged inside the gums

This is why it is important to see a dentist if a child still has several baby teeth with no permanent teeth coming in. Dentists have several options to help baby teeth loosen and fall out if they are being retained, such as:

  • Monitoring and allowing more time for natural loss
  • Extracting baby teeth that are very loose
  • Pulling out retained primary teeth surgically

Getting delayed or retained baby teeth out in a timely manner can minimize problems with permanent teeth coming in properly.

When do all baby teeth fall out?

Most children will have lost all 20 of their primary teeth by around age 12-13. The first teeth to go are typically the lower central incisors around age 6-7. The last baby teeth lost are usually the second molars around age 11-13.

However, children develop at different paces. So the entire primary teeth loss process can take place anytime between ages 6-13 with substantial variation in timing.

Conclusion

While most kids will have lost all baby teeth by age 10, it is still possible for some children to have one or a few primary teeth remaining at this age. This is usually due to delayed eruption of permanent teeth. It is fairly common to still have some molars lingering around age 10. But if a child has several retained baby teeth with no adult teeth coming in, it is best to see a pediatric dentist to stay ahead of potential problems.