Losing Baby Teeth
When Do Children Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?
Losing a first baby tooth is one of the most exciting milestones of childhood. It marks an important step in your child's growth and is often a moment both parents and children remember for years to come.
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, although ages 5 to 7 are perfectly normal. Some children may lose a tooth a little earlier or later, and in most cases, there's no cause for concern.
The first teeth to fall out are usually the lower central incisors (the two bottom front teeth), followed by the upper central incisors (the two top front teeth). Over the next several years, the remaining baby teeth gradually loosen and fall out, making room for permanent teeth. Most children have lost all of their baby teeth by around age 12.
What to Do When Your Child Loses Their First Tooth
A loose tooth can be exciting—but it can also make some children feel a little nervous. Here are a few tips to help make the experience positive.
Reassure Your Child
Let your child know that losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up. Explain that their permanent "grown-up" teeth are getting ready to come in.
Encourage Gentle Wiggling
If the tooth is loose, encourage your child to gently wiggle it with their tongue or clean fingers. Avoid pulling it before it's ready, as this can cause unnecessary discomfort or bleeding.
Expect a Little Bleeding
When the tooth comes out, it's normal to see a small amount of blood. Have your child rinse with warm water and, if needed, bite gently on a clean piece of gauze or tissue until the bleeding stops.
Celebrate the Milestone
Losing a first tooth is a big accomplishment! Celebrating the moment can help your child feel proud and excited about this new stage.
Fun Ways to Celebrate a First Lost Tooth
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print out your own Tooth Fairy Certificate
Welcome the Tooth Fairy
Whether your family follows the Tooth Fairy tradition or creates your own, leaving a small surprise, note, or Tooth Fairy Certificate can make the experience extra memorable.
Make a Tooth Keepsake Box
Decorate a small box together to safely store lost baby teeth. It's a fun craft and a special keepsake your child can enjoy for years.
Capture the Gap-Toothed Smile
Take a photo to remember this exciting milestone. Those adorable gap-toothed grins don't last long!
Read Books About Losing Teeth
Children's books about losing teeth can help explain what's happening, ease any worries, and make the experience fun.
Have a Mini Celebration
Bake tooth-shaped cookies, enjoy a favorite treat, or simply let your child share the exciting news with family and friends.
What's Next?
After the first tooth falls out, the rest will gradually follow over the next several years. Every child develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your child's timeline looks a little different from their friends'.
If you ever have concerns about when your child's teeth are falling out—or how their permanent teeth are coming in—a pediatric dentist can help answer your questions and make sure everything is developing as expected.
Until then, enjoy celebrating each new smile and every milestone along the way!
📚 Recommended Books About Losing a First Tooth
These family favorites can help your child understand what to expect, ease any worries, and make losing a first baby tooth a fun and memorable milestone.
A Note for Parents
Reading about losing a first tooth before it happens can help children feel prepared and excited for this important milestone. Sharing a story together is a wonderful way to answer questions, calm any fears, and celebrate this special stage of growing up.