While it may feel like a cause for concern, you child losing their teeth is completely normal and a milestone for all kids.  Here are a few things to keep in mind.

For most kids, their permanent (adult) teeth begin erupting, or pushing upward on their primary (baby) teeth at around age 6, which causes their baby teeth to loosen and fall out, or exfoliate. This continues until around age 10 or 12.

While it’s best to let baby teeth fall out on their own to prevent trauma to already-sore gums, it’s fine for your child to play with and wiggle the loose tooth with their tongue or fingers.  Once the tooth is ready to come out, it will simply fall away.

Before this happens it’s a good idea to assure your child that they will not swallow the tooth because they will feel it in their mouth, there will be a little bit of blood, it’s OK to dab it with a tissue, and they should keep and wrap their tooth in a tissue and bring it to you. 

Then, it’s time to celebrate!  Whether you choose to use the tooth fairy tradition or another cute idea, be sure to celebrate this milestone, which is fun for both your child and your family.

It’s important for kids to see a dentist every 6 months to ensure their baby teeth are exfoliating and their adult teeth are erupting at the appropriate time and sequence.