Child with a loose baby tooth at a Naples, FL pediatric dentist

Losing Baby Teeth: What Parents Should Know

Losing baby teeth is an exciting milestone that marks your child’s transition to a “big kid” smile. At Morning Star Children's Dentistry in Naples, FL , Dr. Rose Gedeon helps families understand what is normal, what to watch for, and how to keep growing smiles healthy during this important stage.

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When Do Kids Start Losing Baby Teeth?

Most children lose their first baby tooth around age 6, and the process continues until about age 12 or 13. Teeth usually fall out in roughly the same order they came in, starting with the lower front teeth, followed by the upper front teeth. The back molars and canines are typically the last to go. Every child is different, so losing teeth a little earlier or later is often perfectly normal.

How Baby Teeth Fall Out

As a permanent tooth develops beneath a baby tooth, it slowly dissolves the baby tooth’s roots. Over time, the baby tooth becomes loose and eventually falls out on its own, usually with little or no pain. Encourage your child to wiggle a loose tooth gently with a clean finger or tongue, but avoid pulling it before it is ready.

What to Watch For

Call our office if you notice:

  • A baby tooth lost very early due to decay or injury, which may require a space maintainer
  • A permanent tooth coming in behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out, often called “shark teeth”
  • A loose tooth that has been hanging on for a long time or is causing pain
  • Swelling, redness, or signs of infection around a loose tooth
  • No signs of tooth loss by around age 8

If a baby tooth is not coming out on its own and is blocking an adult tooth, a gentle extraction may be recommended. If a tooth is knocked out in an accident, see our emergency dental care page.

Caring for Teeth During the Transition

Good oral hygiene is especially important while baby teeth and permanent teeth share space. Brush twice a day, floss daily, and be gentle around loose teeth and tender gums. New permanent molars that come in around ages 6 and 12 are great candidates for dental sealants. After a tooth falls out, rinse with warm water and apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is minor bleeding.

Make It a Positive Experience

Reassure your child that losing teeth is a normal part of growing up and that a new, stronger tooth will take its place. Many families enjoy a tooth fairy tradition, celebrating each lost tooth with a note or small reward. A positive attitude helps make this milestone fun rather than scary.

Regular Checkups Guide Healthy Development

Routine cleanings and exams and digital X-rays let us monitor how permanent teeth are developing and spot spacing or alignment concerns early.

Schedule your child’s next visit by calling Morning Star Children's Dentistry at (239) 920-7827.

Losing Baby Teeth FAQs

At what age do children start losing baby teeth?

Most children lose their first tooth around age 6 and finish losing baby teeth by about age 12 or 13.

Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?

It is best to let the tooth fall out naturally. Your child can wiggle it gently, but avoid forcing it out before it is ready.

What are “shark teeth”?

Shark teeth occur when a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth that has not fallen out. Call us if the baby tooth does not loosen within a few weeks.

Is it normal for a lost tooth to bleed?

A small amount of bleeding is normal. Have your child rinse with warm water and bite gently on clean gauze.

What if my child loses a baby tooth too early?

Early tooth loss from decay or injury may require a space maintainer to keep room for the permanent tooth. Call us for an evaluation.

What if my child has not lost any teeth by age 7 or 8?

Timing varies, but we recommend a checkup and X-rays to make sure the permanent teeth are developing normally.

Do new permanent teeth need special care?

Yes. Brush and floss thoroughly, and ask about sealants to protect new permanent molars from cavities.