When Should Children Lose Their First Teeth?

One of the most common questions I get is when children should start losing their teeth.  On average, children lose their first tooth at about age 6. This is the average, so some may happen a little earlier and some a little later.  Between the ages of about 6 to 8 years of age, children should lose their 8 baby front teeth (4 on the bottom and 4 on the top).  Around the same time as losing their first tooth, they typically will also get in their permanent 6-year molars behind all of the back baby molars.

When a tooth starts to become loose, the child should begin to wiggle the tooth to help it to come out.  Often, while loose, it can be uncomfortable to eat, so the faster it comes out, the better.  Please make sure it is a baby tooth that they are wiggling and NOT a permanent one! (Note: If the Tooth Fairy makes visits to your house, it often helps speed the process along, if you know what I mean.)

While a child is losing their baby teeth and getting the permanent teeth, I will be evaluating them for many things, including, crowding, impacted teeth, malpositioned teeth, and when the baby teeth just don't seem to want to come out on their own.

Losing a tooth is a big milestone and should be a fun moment for both kids and parents. We hope you enjoy it!
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