Remember when your little one got their first tooth? You probably took about a hundred photos and sent them to everyone you know. Now here comes another milestone that's just as emotional. That first wiggly tooth signals your baby is growing up, whether you're ready or not.
The Typical Timeline for Losing Baby Teeth
Here's the thing about losing baby teeth: there's no perfect schedule that fits every kid. Most children lose their first tooth somewhere between ages 5 and 7. Six tends to be the sweet spot. But I've seen plenty of 4-year-olds proudly showing off their first gap, and just as many 8-year-olds still waiting for that first wiggle.
According to the American Dental Association, kids usually lose their baby teeth in the same order they came in. Those bottom front teeth? First in, first out. Then the top ones follow.
The whole process takes about 6 or 7 years. By the time your child hits 12 or 13, those 20 baby teeth will have made way for their permanent replacements. It's a long journey with plenty of tooth fairy visits along the way.
What Influences When Kids Lose Their First Tooth?
You know how some kids walk at 9 months and others wait until 15 months? Losing teeth works the same way. Every child has their own timeline.
Genetics is huge here. Think back to when you lost your teeth. Were you early or late? Chances are your kid will follow a similar pattern.
Early teethers often become early losers. If your baby sprouted teeth at 4 months, don't be shocked when they're wiggling one loose before kindergarten. The teeth that came early tend to leave early too.
Girls usually beat boys to it. Not by much, maybe a few months. But studies show girls lose their baby teeth a bit earlier on average.
Good nutrition matters. Kids who eat a balanced diet with enough calcium and vitamin D tend to follow a more predictable schedule. Their bodies have what they need to develop properly, teeth included.
The Baby Tooth Loss Chart
Want to know what's coming? Here's the general roadmap, though your kid might not follow it exactly.
Ages 5 to 7: Those front bottom teeth get loose first, then the top ones. Get your camera ready because that gap-toothed grin is adorable. This is when most families start their tooth fairy tradition.
Ages 9 to 11: Now we're talking about the molars and those pointy canines. Your child's smile becomes this interesting mix of baby teeth, adult teeth, and empty spaces. It's an awkward phase, but it's temporary.
Ages 10 to 12: The back molars are the holdouts. They're the last baby teeth to go. Most kids have all their permanent teeth by 13, except for those wisdom teeth that show up way later.
You'll have years of tooth fairy visits ahead of you. Plenty of time to get creative with tooth fairy gifts and build memories.
When to Worry: Early or Late Tooth Loss
Look, we get it. You see other kids losing teeth and wonder if your child is on track. Here's when you should actually pick up the phone and call the dentist.
A tooth falls out before age 4. That's early enough to check out. Sometimes it happens because of an injury or a fall. Other times it could signal tooth decay or something else going on. Your dentist might suggest a space maintainer so the other teeth don't shift around and cause problems later.
Nothing's wiggling by age 8. Some kids are late bloomers and they're totally fine. But it's worth a checkup to make sure everything's developing the way it should. Sometimes there are issues like:
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Missing permanent teeth that never formed in the first place
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Teeth that can't push through properly
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Nutritional gaps that are slowing things down
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Medical conditions affecting bone development
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry wants kids seeing a dentist by their first birthday. Those regular visits help catch anything unusual early on. Your dentist becomes your partner in watching these milestones unfold.
Signs Your Child's Tooth is Ready to Fall Out
You'll know it's coming. Kids give you plenty of warning before that tooth finally pops out.
The tooth gets looser and looser over a few weeks. Your child won't stop messing with it. Tongue pushing, finger wiggling, constant checking in the mirror. It becomes their favorite hobby.
The gum around it might look red or puffy. Don't freak out. That's the permanent tooth underneath doing its job, pushing up and creating some pressure.
Eating gets tricky. Apples and carrots? Forget it. Suddenly your kid wants soup and yogurt for every meal because chewing hurts. Go with it.
Sometimes you can actually see the new tooth peeking through behind or next to the baby tooth. When that happens, you know the baby tooth is living on borrowed time.
How to Help a Loose Tooth Along (Safely)
Most dentists will tell you to leave it alone and let nature handle it. I know that's hard when your kid is complaining about that dangly tooth. But pulling too early really can cause extra bleeding and pain.
That said, if the tooth is barely hanging on and driving your child crazy, here's what actually works:
Let them wiggle it themselves. Clean hands or tongue only. They can gently rock it back and forth. This helps separate it from the gum tissue without forcing anything. Plus, they're in control, which makes them feel braver.
Try crunchy foods. An apple or some carrot sticks might be just enough pressure to knock loose a tooth that's ready. Bonus: it's healthy and you're not actually pulling anything.
The tissue method. If the tooth is literally hanging by a thread and your child wants it out now, grab a clean tissue. Wrap it around the tooth and give one quick, firm twist. This only works when the tooth is super loose. Don't force it if there's resistance.
Please don't do the string-tied-to-a-doorknob thing. I know it looks funny in cartoons, but it can actually damage gums or break the tooth and leave pieces behind. Not worth it.
What to Do When the Tooth Falls Out
Okay, the moment arrived! The tooth is out! Here's what happens next.
Stop the bleeding. Grab some clean gauze or a damp washcloth and have your child bite down gently. It usually stops in 5 to 10 minutes. It looks like a lot of blood sometimes, but it's really not that bad.
Rinse gently if needed. Cool water works fine. No aggressive swishing though. There's a blood clot forming in that empty socket and you want it to stay put. That clot is part of the healing process.
Save the tooth. Clean it off and put it somewhere safe for the tooth fairy. Some families keep every single baby tooth. Others just keep the first and last. Whatever feels right for your family.
Skip that spot when brushing tonight. Tomorrow your child can brush normally, just being gentle around where the tooth was. The area heals pretty quickly.
Making the Tooth Fairy Experience Magical
Losing a tooth can be scary for some kids. The blood, the weird empty space, the whole thing feels big. The tooth fairy tradition turns something potentially frightening into something wonderful.
Want to make it really special? We've got you covered at Kiki the Tooth Fairy. Everything you need is free and easy to use, even for busy parents who are already juggling a million things.
Start with our free video message from the Tooth Fairy. It introduces kids to the tooth fairy before that first tooth even gets loose. Knowing what to expect makes the whole thing less scary and more exciting.
Use our tooth fairy tracker on the big night. This is where it gets really cool. Your child can actually follow the tooth fairy's journey from Fairyland to your house in real time. They watch her magical trip on the screen. No more anxiety about a stranger coming into their room at night. They can see exactly what's happening. It turns bedtime from scary to thrilling.
Grab our free letter templates . Print one out and leave it with whatever you're putting under the pillow. These letters praise your child's bravery and remind them to keep brushing. They add that personal touch that makes kids feel seen and special.
If you’re already thinking about making the big night extra special, we have an entire blog post dedicated to awesome tooth fairy gifts.
Caring for Your Child's Mouth During the Transition
This is when dental care really counts. Those new permanent teeth are coming in and they need protection.
Brush twice a day with fluoride toothpaste. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says use a pea-sized amount for kids over 3. Seems simple, but it's the foundation of everything.
Start flossing between teeth that touch. We know, good luck getting kids to floss. But those permanent teeth are more prone to cavities than baby teeth were. Build the habit now.
Watch the sugar intake. New permanent teeth have softer enamel for the first couple of years. They're more vulnerable to decay. Limit the juice boxes and candy when you can.
Keep up with dental visits. Every six months for cleanings and checkups. Your dentist spots problems you'd never see at home.
When Permanent Teeth Don't Look Right
New permanent teeth can look weird. Before you panic, know that most of what seems wrong is actually totally normal.
They look enormous. Adult teeth in a little kid's mouth do look huge. Your child will grow into them. Give it time and those teeth will fit perfectly.
They look yellow. Permanent teeth have more dentin than baby teeth, so they naturally look more yellow. They're not stained or dirty. That's just their color.
The edges are bumpy. Those ridges are called mamelons and they wear down on their own. Most kids don't even notice them.
There are gaps or crowding. The jaw is still growing. A lot of spacing issues work themselves out naturally. If they don't, your dentist will let you know if braces should be part of the plan.
Special Situations and Shark Teeth
Ever heard of shark teeth? That's when the permanent tooth comes in behind the baby tooth before the baby tooth falls out. You get two rows of teeth, hence the name. About 10% of kids go through this, usually with the bottom front teeth.
Most of the time, shark teeth fix themselves. The baby tooth eventually gets loose enough to fall out. The tongue pushes that permanent tooth forward into the right spot. Bodies are pretty smart.
If weeks go by and that baby tooth isn't budging, or if the permanent tooth is coming in at a crazy angle, call your dentist. They might need to pull the baby tooth to make room. It's quick and it prevents bigger issues down the road.
Creative Tooth Fairy Gift Ideas Beyond Money
Money under the pillow is classic, but there are so many other ways to make tooth fairy visits memorable.
Books work great. Stories about growing up or taking care of teeth reinforce good messages. Plus, your child can read them over and over. Books last longer than coins disappear.
Art supplies are always a hit. A new pack of markers, fun stickers, or a small craft kit shows the tooth fairy knows what your kid likes. It gives her more personality than just leaving cash.
Special privileges can be even better than stuff. Extra screen time, picking what's for dinner, or staying up 15 minutes late makes losing a tooth feel like a real celebration. Sometimes experiences beat things.
Little toys related to their interests. A tiny dinosaur for the dino-obsessed kid. A bouncy ball. Fun erasers shaped like animals. These small touches show thought and care.
Whatever you leave, pair it with one of our free personalized letters explaining why the tooth fairy chose that particular gift. The story behind the gift makes it even more special.
Building Excitement Before the Big Night
The waiting can be just as fun as the actual visit if you play it right.
Set up the tracker once that tooth is out. Before bed, your child watches the tooth fairy begin her journey from Fairyland. By morning, new videos reveal how she made it to your house and found their room. The overnight adventure keeps the magic alive from dusk till dawn.
Make a special spot for the tooth. A tooth pillow or a little decorated box. This makes the exchange easier for you (no fumbling under pillows in the dark) and gives your child something to look forward to.
FAQ About Losing Baby Teeth
What happens if my child swallows their tooth?
Relax. It happens more than you'd think. The tooth will pass right through their system without any problems. You might miss having the actual tooth for under the pillow, but grab one of our free letter templates and explain that the tooth fairy knows even without the physical tooth. Your child still gets the full experience and the visit happens as planned.
Can my child still play sports with loose teeth?
Sure, but get them a mouthguard for contact sports or anything where they might fall. A loose tooth that takes a hard hit can get knocked out too early or shoved up into the gum. That hurts and might need a dentist visit. Better to protect it.
Why is there no permanent tooth behind the lost baby tooth?
Permanent teeth sometimes take weeks or even months to show up after the baby tooth falls out. Usually that's fine. But if 3 or 4 months pass with no sign of a tooth, schedule a checkup. Your dentist can take an X-ray and make sure the permanent tooth is developing like it should underneath the gum.
Should baby teeth that are decayed be removed early?
Usually no. Even a tooth with a cavity still holds space for the permanent tooth coming later. Your dentist will treat the cavity to stop pain and infection, but they'll try to keep that tooth in place as long as possible. Pull it too early and the other teeth can shift, creating spacing problems you'll deal with later.
How much should the tooth fairy leave?
Most families leave somewhere between $1 and $5 per tooth. First teeth sometimes get a bit more because it's extra special. Pick an amount that works for your budget. Consider adding our free video message or a personalized letter instead of upping the dollar amount. Kids remember the magic and excitement more than the exact cash amount anyway.
How can I prepare my anxious child for losing their first tooth?
Talk about it early. Make it sound exciting instead of scary. Watch our free video together so they meet the tooth fairy and learn what happens. On the actual night, use the tooth fairy tracker so they can watch the journey in real time. Seeing the magic happen transforms anxiety into anticipation.
Read books about losing teeth. Tell them your own tooth loss stories. Let them know everyone goes through this and comes out fine on the other side. Sometimes just knowing they're not alone makes all the difference.
The Bottom Line
Most kids start losing baby teeth between 5 and 7, but your child might be earlier or later. That's okay. Every kid follows their own timeline. The process continues until they're about 12 or 13 and all 20 baby teeth have been replaced.
Understanding what to expect helps you know when things are normal and when to call the dentist. Making the experience special with tooth fairy traditions turns something that could be scary into something magical your child will remember forever.
Our free resources make it easy. The tooth fairy video introduces the magic early. The tracker lets kids follow the journey from Fairyland to home on the big night. The letter templates add that personal touch that shows your child how special they are.
Whether you're dealing with the first wiggle or you're several teeth into the journey, remember this is a fleeting time. These moments pass quickly. Before you know it, your child will have all their permanent teeth and the tooth fairy will retire from your house.
Visit our website for free printables, creative tooth fairy gift ideas, and ways to celebrate each lost tooth. We're here to help you create magical memories without the stress.
Your child might lose their first tooth at 5 or 8. Either way, what really matters is celebrating their growth, keeping their teeth healthy, and making them feel loved through every milestone. The tooth fairy is just the beginning of this wonderful journey of watching them grow up.
