Losing a Baby Tooth – What To Expect

Written by Paul Vera on October 13th, 2021.

Is the tooth fairy headed to your house sometime soon? Losing baby teeth is a major milestone for a child. Here’s what to expect when those teeth start to wiggle.

Why Baby Teeth?

First off, let’s talk about baby teeth and why we shed them at an early age. Also known as milk teeth, these are the first set of teeth that we get as children. They are basically placeholders for the permanent teeth, which don’t begin to descend into the mouth until children have grown and the mouth is becoming large enough to accommodate them. Even though we end up losing our baby teeth, it’s still important to keep them healthy. This includes both a good at home dental hygiene routines along with regular exams and cleanings at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry.

Saying Goodbye

A child is usually around the age of six when the time comes to start saying goodbye to those baby teeth. The teeth generally fall out in a certain order, starting with the lower front teeth, and moving toward the back of the mouth in the coming years. The process of losing baby teeth tends to last until kids are 11 or 12 years of age. There’s really no right or wrong answer to when a tooth should fall out, since it tends to be a little different for each and every kid.

Dealing with Wiggly Teeth

The tooth loss process is usually a pretty organic one, and one that your child will probably get a kick out of! Generally, the tooth will start to wiggle and gradually get looser until it falls out, perhaps with a bit of help. Although there may be a little bit of blood, there’s usually no pain.

Comprehensive Dental Care for Children at Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry

Children’s dental care needs change as they grow and mature but it’s important to keep both baby teeth and permanent teeth healthy. Great children’s dental care is crucial for the health and wellbeing of children at any age. Our Sunshine Pediatric Dentistry team is here for your child’s dental milestones, including emergency care if needed. To book a visit with us at our San Antonio practice, give us a call or click the contact link below.

New Patient Specials

$350
Toward Braces or Invisalign

New patients only. Regular cost or orthodontic treatment can be between $2,500 and $6,000. No cash value. Call our office for details!

$48
Infant Exam & Cleaning Ages 2 and under

Includes a professional cleaning, exam, & fluoride. No cash value, not combinable, not valid with insurance. Offer valid for new patients, only.
Value of $326

$119
New Patient Special Exam, Cleaning & X-Rays Ages 3 and up

Includes a professional cleaning, exam, x-rays & fluoride. No cash value, not combinable, not valid with insurance. Offer valid for new patients, only.
Value of $418

Don't underestimate the importance of baby teeth!