When do kids start losing baby teeth?

Most kids begin losing their baby teeth between ages 5 and 7. The bottom front teeth are typically the first to fall out, followed by the top front teeth.

What should I do when my child loses a tooth?

Have your child rinse with warm water, use a tissue if there's light bleeding, and avoid touching the socket. Soft foods are best for the next meal.

When should I call the dentist about a loose or missing baby tooth?

Call your dentist if the tooth falls out too early, doesn't fall out when the adult tooth is erupting, or there’s pain or signs of infection.

Do baby teeth really matter if they’re going to fall out anyway?

Yes! Baby teeth are important for speech, eating, and guiding adult teeth. Keeping them healthy prevents early loss and future alignment issues.

What to Expect When Your Child Begins Losing Their Baby Teeth

A Parent’s Guide from Your Golden Valley Dental Team

Losing baby teeth is a big milestone—for both kids and parents. One day your little one is proudly flashing a full set of tiny teeth, and the next, they’re wiggling one loose at the dinner table. At Bassett Creek Dental, we’ve seen it all (including the panicked look parents get when that first tooth starts to wiggle), so we’re here to walk you through what to expect—minus the drama.

When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?

Most kids lose their first tooth around age 6, though anywhere between 5 and 7 is totally normal. The bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) are usually the first to go, followed by the top front teeth. By the time they’re 12, most kids have said goodbye to all 20 of their baby teeth.

Signs a Tooth Is Ready to Come Out

You’ll usually notice a tooth starting to wiggle on its own. This happens when the permanent tooth underneath pushes up and starts dissolving the root of the baby tooth. Here’s what to watch for:

Wiggling with minimal discomfort
Slight tenderness around the area
New adult tooth starting to peek through the gum

Pro tip: Encourage your child to gently wiggle the tooth over time—but no need to tie it to a string and a doorknob. Let nature take the lead.

What to Do When a Tooth Falls Out

Don’t panic—there’s usually very little bleeding. Just have your child rinse with warm water and apply a tissue if needed. Then, cue the Tooth Fairy!

Make sure your child avoids poking the empty socket and sticks to soft foods for the next meal. It’s also a great opportunity to reinforce the importance of brushing and flossing—especially around those new, incoming adult teeth.

When Should You Call Your Dentist?

Give us a call if:

A baby tooth falls out way too early (before age 4)
A permanent tooth is erupting behind a baby tooth that hasn’t budged
There’s swelling, pain, or signs of infection

At Bassett Creek Dental in Golden Valley, MN, we’re happy to check on those baby chompers and make sure everything is progressing just as it should.

Is It Time for Their First Dental Visit?

If your child hasn’t been to the dentist yet, the loss of a first tooth is a perfect time to start! Our team loves working with kids and making their first visits fun, relaxed, and educational. We’ll show them the ropes, count their teeth, and give high-fives all around.

Check out our article, “Baby Teeth Explained“, to learn more.

Smile Milestones Start Here

Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage—and a big step in your child’s dental journey. At Bassett Creek Dental, we’re honored to be part of that journey for families in Golden Valley, St. Louis Park, Plymouth, Robbinsdale, and surrounding communities.

Whether it’s their first lost tooth or their first dental cleaning, we’re here with gentle care, big smiles, and plenty of stickers.

Ready to schedule your child’s visit?

Give us a call at 763.546.1301 or book online today!