Why do we have milk teeth that then fall out?
In short: we have two sets of teeth because a baby’s mouth is small and keeps growing. Milk teeth are the “practice version”: they’re for chewing, speaking and, above all, they hold the space for the permanent ones. When those push up, the milk tooth’s root is reabsorbed, the tooth wobbles and falls out to make way for the new one.
What are they for if they fall out?
They’re not just decoration. With them the child learns to chew and speak, and they map the way: each milk tooth holds the gap for the permanent tooth behind it and guides it into place. If one is lost early (from a cavity or a knock), the neighbours can close that gap and mess up the permanent tooth’s arrival.
Why do they fall out?
Through a very well-organised relay. The permanent tooth grows below and, as it pushes, makes the root of the milk tooth gradually “dissolve” (reabsorb). When there’s almost no root left, the tooth is loose and falls out with hardly any blood. That’s why they wobble for days beforehand: it’s the sign the changeover is underway.
At what age and in what order?
The changeover usually starts around age 6 and finishes by about 12. Typically the lower front teeth go first, then the upper ones, and after that the canines and molars. Every child has their own pace: being a few months early or late is normal.
How many are there?
There are 20 milk teeth, compared with the 28-32 of the adult set (with the wisdom teeth). That difference is another reason for the changeover: a fully grown mouth fits more teeth, and bigger ones.
When is it worth checking?
If a milk tooth wobbles a lot but won’t quite fall out, if the permanent one shows up behind it before the milk tooth has gone, or if one falls out very early, it’s best to have the dentist look. Usually nothing needs doing, but it’s worth confirming.
Is your little one in the middle of the changeover and you’ve got questions? At a check-up we’ll take a look and put your mind at ease. The first visit is free: book an appointment whenever you like.
Frequently asked questions
What are milk teeth for if they're going to fall out?
For a lot: the child chews, speaks and smiles with them, and they also hold the space for the permanent teeth and guide their arrival. So even though they're temporary, they need to be cared for like an adult's.
At what age do milk teeth fall out?
They usually start falling out around age 6 and the changeover is complete at about 12. Every child has their own pace; small differences of a few months are normal.
Why does a milk tooth wobble and fall out?
Because the permanent tooth, pushing from below, makes the root of the milk tooth gradually dissolve (it is reabsorbed). When there's almost no root left, the tooth wobbles and falls out on its own to make way for the new one.
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