Which Teeth Fall Out at Age 10?

A Parent’s Guide

At age 10, children typically lose their upper canines (maxillary canines) and primary second molars — the last of the baby teeth to make their exit. This marks the final stretch of a years-long process called the mixed dentition stage, where baby teeth and permanent teeth coexist before the adult smile fully takes shape.

If your child is 10 and you’ve noticed a wiggly tooth — or you’re wondering why nothing seems to be happening — you’re not alone.

This guide walks you through exactly what to expect, which teeth come next, and when to call the dentist.

The Late Mixed Dentition Stage

Dentists refer to the period between ages 6 and 12 as the mixed dentition stage — a time when both baby teeth and permanent teeth are present in the mouth at the same time.

By age 10, most children have already lost their front incisors and first molars. What remains are the canines and second molars, which tend to hold on the longest.

This phase is sometimes called “late mixed dentition,” and it’s completely normal for it to look a little chaotic. Gaps appear, teeth seem too big for small faces, and the jaw is actively growing to accommodate the incoming permanent teeth. It’s all part of the plan.

Which Specific Teeth Fall Out at Age 10?

Upper Canines (Maxillary Canines)

The upper canines — those slightly pointed teeth flanking the front four — typically fall out around ages 10 to 12. The lower canines usually go a little earlier, around ages 9 to 10.

These baby canines make way for the permanent canines, which are larger and more prominent. Because they sit near the center of the smile, their alignment matters a lot for both appearance and bite function.

Primary Second Molars

The primary second molars are the last baby teeth to fall out. Located at the back of the mouth on both the top and bottom, these teeth usually loosen and fall out between ages 10 and 12.

They’re replaced by the permanent second premolars (also called bicuspids), which play an important role in chewing and maintaining proper spacing for the rest of the adult teeth.

When Do the Permanent Replacements Arrive?

Once a baby tooth falls out, the permanent replacement is usually not far behind. Here’s a general timeline to keep in mind:

Permanent canines (upper): Typically erupt between ages 11 and 13
Permanent canines (lower): Usually arrive between ages 9 and 10
First premolars: Often emerge between ages 10 and 12
Second premolars: Generally appear between ages 10 and 12

Every child develops at a slightly different pace. Some permanent teeth arrive quickly after the baby tooth falls out; others take several months. As long as the permanent tooth is visibly moving into position, there’s usually no cause for concern.

Signs of Healthy Tooth Loss

Knowing what normal looks like can save parents a lot of worry. Here are the signs that a tooth is falling out naturally and healthily:

The tooth wiggles gradually over days or weeks — a slow, progressive loosening is normal
Light pink or minimal bleeding when the tooth finally comes out
The gum heals within a day or two with no swelling or persistent soreness
The permanent tooth is already visible just below the surface or starting to push through

If your child experiences significant pain, heavy bleeding, or swelling, it’s worth contacting a dentist to rule out infection or complications.

Common Concerns Parents Have

What if the teeth aren’t falling out on schedule?

Timing varies widely between children, so being a few months off the average timeline is rarely a problem. However, if your child is 12 or older and still has several baby teeth in place, a dental X-ray can confirm whether permanent teeth are developing normally underneath.

In some cases, a baby tooth may need to be extracted to allow the permanent tooth to erupt properly. Your dentist will advise based on the X-ray findings.

What if permanent teeth are growing behind baby teeth?

This is called ectopic eruption, and it’s fairly common, especially with the lower front teeth. Parents often describe it as their child growing “shark teeth” — two rows visible at once.

In many cases, the baby tooth will fall out on its own within a few weeks as the tongue pushes against it. If the baby tooth shows no sign of loosening after a month or so, a dentist may recommend a simple extraction to guide the permanent tooth into the right position.

Dental Care Tips During the Transition

The mixed dentition phase creates some tricky spots to clean — gaps, partially erupted teeth, and uneven surfaces all make plaque buildup more likely. Here’s how to keep things on track:

Brush twice daily using a soft-bristled toothbrush, paying close attention to new teeth that may not be fully erupted yet
Floss daily, especially around molars where food tends to get trapped
Consider fluoride toothpaste to strengthen enamel as new teeth come in
Watch the diet — sticky and sugary snacks increase cavity risk, particularly around teeth that haven’t fully emerged
Schedule regular dental checkups every six months so the dentist can monitor spacing, bite, and eruption progress

New permanent teeth can be more vulnerable to cavities early on, so this is a good time to ask your dentist about dental sealants for the molars.

When to Visit the Orthodontist

Age 10 is actually a key window for an orthodontic evaluation — even if your child’s teeth look relatively straight. The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that children have their first orthodontic screening by age 7, but many issues don’t become fully apparent until the canines and second molars begin moving.

By age 10, an orthodontist can assess:

Whether there’s enough space in the jaw for the incoming permanent teeth
Early signs of crowding or bite problems
Whether any teeth are impacted or developing at the wrong angle
The need for early intervention (sometimes called Phase 1 treatment) to guide jaw growth

Catching these issues early often means simpler, shorter treatment later — and in some cases, it can prevent more serious problems from developing at all.

What to Do Now

Here’s a quick summary to help you stay on top of your child’s dental development at age 10:

Expect the upper canines and second molars to loosen and fall out over the next one to two years
Monitor incoming permanent teeth and note if anything seems off — teeth coming in crooked, very slowly, or not at all
Book a dental checkup if it’s been more than six months
Request an orthodontic evaluation if one hasn’t already been done
Keep up with daily brushing and flossing, especially around partially erupted teeth

The transition from baby teeth to a full adult smile is a gradual process — but by the time your child is 12 or 13, the picture should be mostly complete. Staying informed and keeping up with regular dental visits are the two most effective things you can do right now.