My Child's Tooth Fell Out, Now What?!
- tinyteethapp
- May 13
- 3 min read
Losing a baby tooth is one of those big childhood milestones that can feel more dramatic than it actually is. Here's everything you need to know about what to do when that first (or second, or fifth) tooth falls out.
Is It Normal for My Child's Tooth to Fall Out?
Most children start losing teeth around age 5 or 6, though anywhere between 4 and 7 is considered normal. The lower front teeth usually go first, followed by the upper front teeth.
If your child is younger than 4 and losing teeth, it's worth a quick call to your pediatric dentist just to rule out any underlying causes like injury or early dental issues.
What to Do Right After the Tooth Falls Out
- Stay calm and make it fun. If you act excited, they'll feel excited.
- Rinse their mouth gently. Have them swish with a small amount of warm water to clean the area. No vigorous spitting.
- Look at the gap. It's normal for the gum to look a little red or swollen for a day or two. If you see swelling that gets worse or any signs of infection, contact your dentist.
- Save the tooth! Whether it goes under the pillow for the Tooth Fairy or into a keepsake box, that's entirely up to your family.
Tooth Fairy Goodies You Can Use
If you want to go all in on the Tooth Fairy tradition, I put together a Tooth Fairy Printable Kit in the TinyTeeth shop. Everything is a digital download, so you can grab it the same day the tooth comes out.
Here's what's inside:
Tooth Fairy Receipt (4 color options) -- A little "official" receipt from the Tooth Fairy confirming she picked up the tooth. Kids absolutely love this one. Make sure to add your child's details once printed!
Door Hanger Printables (4 color options) -- Hang it on their bedroom door the night of so the Tooth Fairy knows where to go.
Tooth Reward Coupons (5 categories) -- A fun alternative (or addition) to leaving money, with different reward options to choose from.
All three are under $1.25 each and print right at home!
How to Care for the Gap Left Behind
Once the tooth is out, a little extra attention to that area goes a long way.
- Brush the gum line gently around the gap twice a day.
- Avoid hard or crunchy foods for a day or so if the area is tender.
- Remind your child not to poke the gap with their tongue or fingers too aggressively.
What About the New Permanent Tooth Coming In?
Permanent teeth are the ones your child will have for the rest of their lives, so it's worth paying a little extra attention as they come in.
A few things to know:
- Permanent teeth often look slightly more yellow or textured than the baby teeth next to them, this is completely normal.
- They come in larger, which can look a little funny at first in a small mouth. They'll grow into them.
- Once permanent teeth are fully in, flossing becomes especially important.
FAQ: My Child Lost a Tooth
What age do kids start losing teeth?
Most children lose their first baby tooth between ages 5 and 7, with the average being around age 6. The process of losing all 20 baby teeth typically continues until around age 12 or 13.
Should I wiggle a loose tooth to help it out?
It's fine to let your child gently wiggle it themselves, but I'd avoid forcing it out before it's ready. A tooth that isn't ready yet can bleed more and be more painful to remove. Let it loosen naturally.
How do I brush around the gap?
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and be gentle around the gum line where the tooth was. You don't need to scrub the gap itself, just keep the surrounding area clean and free of food debris.
Does losing baby teeth hurt?
A loose tooth that falls out on its own usually causes very little pain, maybe a tiny bit of soreness right after. If your child is complaining of significant pain before or after a tooth falls out, that's worth mentioning to your dentist.
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