Your child losing their first tooth is a rite of passage and usually happens at around six years of age. The tooth comes loose then falls out, leaving a gap for the adult tooth to come through. This continues up until age 12, when all the baby teeth have usually fallen out.

While you are preparing for the tooth fairy’s arrival, you and your child may have some questions about what’s normal and what isn’t when it comes to losing baby teeth. Read on for everything you need to know.

What is the normal process? 

Over the years your child will lose 20 baby teeth, making way for 32 new adult teeth. The best thing is to let nature take its course and allow the teeth to fall out on their own. 

Of course, that’s easier said than done and many children are impatient for a tooth to come out and may ask you to help, especially when it is very loose. 

“It is okay to have your children wiggle and [for you to] wobble their teeth to help them come out,” says Dr Adam Alford, dentist at Bupa Dental Brisbane. “Make sure you have clean hands and just try and grab it and gently wiggle it. Over a few days to a week or two it will come out.”

He says there may be some bleeding from the gums around the wobbly tooth but that’s nothing to worry about.

After your child’s tooth falls out, the gum area may be a little tender and sore. It’s still important to keep up tooth brushing and oral hygiene – just take extra care brushing around loose teeth or sensitive areas. 

“Most children cope very well and are more excited about it coming out and the tooth fairy coming and forget very quickly [about any sensitivity],” Dr Alford says. “If it is really tender and sore to chew on, then seek help and advice from your dentist.” 

What if my child is feeling anxious?

While most children feel positive about the loss of their baby teeth, 20 per cent respond negatively, according to research. If your child feels anxious or scared about losing a tooth, schedule a dental check-up. Ask the dentist or oral health therapist to explain this very normal process to your child – they’ll be able to provide reassurance. 

Kids can easily pick up on anxiety in their parents, so try to keep your own fears in check – a light-hearted approach is best.

What if the tooth isn’t coming loose?

“If your child’s wobbly tooth gets stuck and you can see the permanent adult tooth under it or at the side of it, then seek help from your dentist who can have it removed,” says Dr Alford. 

Scheduling regular visits with your dentist is the best way to take care of your child’s new teeth growth and development. 

“Monitoring teeth erupting is important to check that adult teeth are not getting stuck or blocked,” he says. “Part of having an orthodontic opinion at about the age of eight to 10 is to check all adult teeth are present, then if there are issues, they can be monitored over time.”

Talk to a dentist near you

If you have any further questions or would like to book an appointment, contact your nearest Bupa Dental clinic.