What to Expect When Your Child’s First Tooth Falls Out
Losing a first baby tooth is a huge milestone—and not just for your child, but for you too. It’s a clear sign that your little one is growing up. But along with the excitement (and maybe a visit from the Tooth Fairy!), parents often have questions: When does it happen? Should I worry if it’s early or late? How do I care for that new gap?
At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we’re here to help you navigate this exciting stage with confidence. Let’s break down what to expect, what’s normal, and how to keep your child’s smile healthy as their adult teeth begin to arrive.
When Do Children Usually Lose Their First Tooth?
Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 5 to 7, though it can happen slightly earlier or later. Typically, the lower front teeth (central incisors) are the first to go, followed by the upper front teeth.
If your child’s teeth came in early as a baby, they may lose them early too. And if they’re late bloomers—don’t worry! Timing can vary, and we’re always happy to evaluate development if you’re unsure.
What’s Normal—and What’s Not?
Normal Signs of Tooth Loss:
- Slight wiggle when touched
- No pain or mild discomfort
- New permanent tooth visible beneath or soon after loss
- A little bleeding when the tooth comes out
When to Call a Pediatric Dentist:
- The tooth is loose due to injury rather than natural development
- There’s swelling, pain, or signs of infection
- Adult teeth are erupting before baby teeth fall out (“shark teeth”)
- Baby teeth haven’t started falling out by age 8
Our team at Tooth + Tongue Dental can help you determine if your child’s tooth loss is on track—and make it fun and comfortable if any intervention is needed.
What Happens After the Tooth Falls Out?
Once the baby tooth is gone, the permanent tooth begins to erupt. This is a key stage in your child’s dental development. You’ll want to keep the area clean and encourage gentle brushing.
🪥 Use a soft toothbrush to clean the area twice daily
💧 Rinse with water after meals if brushing is uncomfortable
🥕 Encourage healthy snacks that support enamel strength
🚫 Avoid poking the area with fingers or objects
If the adult tooth doesn’t appear within a few weeks, we may want to take a look to ensure it’s developing normally.
How to Make the Experience Positive
Losing a tooth should feel like a fun milestone—not something scary. Here are a few ways to make it special:
🦷 Let your child wiggle the tooth gently on their own
🧚♀️ Write a note from the Tooth Fairy—or create your own family tradition
📘 Read fun books about tooth loss (like “The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist”)
🪥 Buy a “big kid” toothbrush to mark the occasion
Celebrating this change can reduce anxiety and get kids excited about growing up.
What Comes Next in Dental Development?
Your child will gradually lose all 20 baby teeth, typically finishing around age 12 to 13. Permanent molars and other adult teeth will follow in a specific pattern.
During this time, routine checkups are essential for:
- Monitoring bite development
- Watching for crowding or alignment issues
- Catching early signs of cavities or decay
- Discussing whether orthodontic treatment may be needed
At Tooth + Tongue Dental, we track your child’s development closely and guide you through every stage—step by step.
Why Parents Trust Tooth + Tongue Dental
Families choose us because we combine professional pediatric care with genuine compassion. We make dental visits something kids look forward to!
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Gentle, child-friendly care in a warm and welcoming environment
- Clear guidance for parents on every stage of development
- Flexible scheduling and emergency access if concerns arise
- Fun, engaging visits that build lifelong dental habits
Whether it’s your child’s first loose tooth or their twelfth, we’re here to help you smile through it together.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Visit Today
Wondering if your child’s tooth loss is right on track? Want expert guidance to support their growing smile?
📞 Call or text +1 (925) 949-8427 to book a visit at Tooth + Tongue Dental.
We’ll make sure everything’s developing beautifully—and make the experience fun and easy for your little one.
