It’s Time for a Visit From the Tooth Fairy

The Excitement of Losing Baby Teeth

It’s one of the most exciting and memorable days of childhood, for children and their parents alike – the day you lose your first tooth. Visits from the Tooth Fairy are as exciting to 5- and 6-year-olds as visits from the Easter Bunny and even Santa Claus.

Children generally lose teeth in the order in which they grew in, which means that, for most children, the bottom two front teeth are usually the first two to go.

Should I Pull a Loose Tooth?

It’s best to not pull a loose tooth, according to dentists. Generally teeth fall out when they’re ready; pulling them could expose the root and increase the risk of infection. If a tooth is loose enough, it should fall out if you hold a tissue next to it and wiggle it a little side-to-side.

What If a New Tooth is Growing In, But The Baby Tooth Hasn’t Fallen Out?

If a secondary tooth is growing in but the primary tooth has not yet fallen out, or isn’t loose yet, it’s time to call the dentist. Sometimes the new tooth with cause the old tooth to fall out, but sometimes it’s best to have the old tooth pulled so the secondary tooth grows in the correct location.

The End of Baby Teeth

By the time most kids are 12, the last of their baby teeth have usually fallen out.  Your child’s dentist will be sure to tell you if your child is on track with losing primary teeth and growing secondary teeth. In fact, an X-ray can show the teeth that are formed below the gum line and give the dentist a good idea of how much longer it should take to lose the remaining baby teeth.