On average, children will start to lose their baby teeth at around age 6 or 7, but if your child is either an early bloomer or a late starter, you shouldn’t worry. Just make sure that you’re taking them to their Pediatric Dentist at least once a year. A professional will be able to determine whether or not there’s an underlying problem that’s preventing your child from naturally losing their baby teeth.

The teeth that will start coming loose are the ones that came in first. Typically, these are the front lower and upper teeth. If your child has a loose tooth further in the back before their front ones, it might be a good idea to call your dentist.

If the loose tooth is a direct result of an injury, you’ll want to schedule a visit to the Pediatric Dentist. This is to make sure that there’s no infection or damage to the adult tooth that’s still underneath the baby tooth.

It’s recommended that you let the baby tooth fall out on its own. Pulling it out before it’s ready to leave can lead to an infection. When the baby tooth finally comes out naturally, your child may bleed and experience some discomfort. Make sure that you tell your child this ahead of time, and that you make the situation a positive experience when it finally comes.

Immediately after the baby tooth comes out, have your child rinse their mouth with warm salt water. This will soothe any discomfort and help stop the bleeding. Keep a damp towel against the new gap in their teeth until the bleeding stops completely. If your child is still bleeding or in pain after about an hour, you should call your Pediatric Dentist.

If your child accidentally swallows their baby tooth, there’s no need to worry. Baby teeth are very small and will find their way back out without any issues.

You’ll start seeing the adult tooth start peeking in a few weeks after the baby tooth is gone. The new, permanent tooth will fully grow in within a few months.