3–12 yearsChild: milk teeth fall out
What to expect
- Milk teeth start to fall out around age 6, and the adult teeth come in behind them.
- The back milk teeth stay until about 10 to 12, so a cavity in them still matters.
- Help with brushing until about age 8, with a pea-sized dab of fluoride toothpaste.
When to come
- A check-up about every 6 months, or as the dentist advises.
- Sooner for tooth pain, black spots, a swollen cheek, or a tooth hurt in a fall.
General guidance, not a diagnosis. The dentist will tell you what your teeth need.