Bye-Bye Baby Teeth: A Loose Tooth Guide

By Caroline Jacobson
Revised February 2021

From first wiggles to gap-toothed giggles, losing teeth is a mouth’s coming-of-age story. Let’s review the individual chapters:

The loose tooth journey

You should expect to see that full set of baby teeth around age 3.

Early teethers tend to be early losers, but it’s impossible to pinpoint exact age. Usually the first tooth will fall out around age 6. Your child’s mouth then channels Benjamin Button, losing the remaining baby teeth over the next few years. Fortunately, permanent teeth will fill in the gaps.

Loose tooth food choices

To cut down on pain and wiggle time, serve soups, puréed veggies and other foods that require minimal chewing. Healthy, hard munchies can help too! Apples and pears are perfect picks for newly loose teeth. They gently aid in loosening the tooth, while promoting healthy bodies and smiles.

When a loose tooth lingers

Give it time. It can take a few months until a loose tooth is ready to fall out. Don’t hurry things along by yanking a tooth. However, when the day comes your tot’s tooth is hanging by a thread, grasp it firmly using a tissue, pull upwards and give it a sharp twist.

Don’t panic when you see blood — a little bleeding in the area is normal.

From loose tooth to celebration

Once the tooth falls out, the Tooth Fairy pays a visit!

Check out current rates for a lost tooth. 

Delight your little one with tales and traditions about the Tooth Fairy.

Craft DIY Tooth Fairy wings and accessories, even a baby tooth hat. 

Healthy habits for life

Remind your child the Tooth Fairy favors clean healthy teeth to build her castle, so it’s important to brush and floss daily.

A healthy mouth is crucial for children to learn how to speak, smile and eat properly. A dentist monitors that everything develops on track, so take your little ones for regular dental check-ups.

Looking for a dentist? Find a dentist now.

Looking for affordable dental coverage? Check our individual and family dental plans as well as our employer dental plans.