When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth?

As a parent in Washington, D.C., you’ll witness many of your child’s exciting milestones. One of the most memorable moments is when they lose their first tooth. This event is not just a physical change but also a big emotional step for both you and your child. You may wonder if the timing is right and how to make the experience less stressful, especially if your child feels anxious. Fortunately, the Tooth Fairy can help make this moment magical!

Before we focus on losing teeth, let's explore when baby teeth appear and how to care for them properly.

Baby’s First Tooth and First Dental Visit in Washington, D.C.

Your baby’s first tooth usually appears between 6 to 12 months of age. The front bottom teeth (central incisors) typically emerge first, followed by the top front teeth. When these first teeth arrive, it’s important to schedule their first dental appointment to ensure everything is developing properly.

Why is this first visit essential?

The positioning and health of baby teeth are checked.
We monitor the development of teeth, jaws, bite, gums, and oral tissues.
We look for early signs of decay or other dental issues that could affect future adult teeth.

Learn more about Children’s Dentistry at Foxhall Dental Center and schedule your baby’s first appointment today!

Tips for Caring for Baby Teeth

Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, keeping them healthy is important to prevent decay. Here are some tips to help your child establish good oral hygiene:

Make it fun: Play a two-minute song while brushing to keep them engaged.
Make it easy: Assist them with brushing until they develop the skill to do it well on their own.
Make it a family activity: When they see you and older siblings brushing and flossing, they are more likely to follow suit.

Diet plays a big role in preventing tooth decay. Limiting sugary drinks, snacks, and avoiding putting your child to bed with a bottle are crucial steps for maintaining oral health.

When Do Kids Start Losing Their Teeth?

Children in Washington, D.C., typically begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of 6 and 7. The order in which they lose their teeth generally mirrors the order in which they first appeared, starting with the bottom front teeth.

This process continues until around age 12 or 13, when all of the permanent teeth (except wisdom teeth) have made their way in.

What should you do when a tooth falls out?

Celebrate this exciting milestone with your child.
If there’s minor bleeding, gently apply pressure with gauze.
Encourage your child to brush carefully around the gap and avoid sticky or hard foods for a little while.

Should You Pull a Loose Tooth?

It may be tempting to help your child by pulling a loose tooth, but it’s best to let it come out on its own. Premature pulling can lead to complications for the adult tooth coming in.

Signs that a baby tooth is ready to come out:

The tooth moves easily with a gentle touch or the tongue.
Your child may touch or wiggle the tooth more often during meals or playtime.

If the adult tooth is visible underneath the baby tooth, it’s a sign that it’s almost time for the baby tooth to make way. For more guidance, visit our Dental Emergencies page if anything unusual happens, such as excessive bleeding or a tooth injury.

How Long Until the New Tooth Comes In?

Once a tooth is lost, it usually takes around 6 weeks to 3 months for the new adult tooth to start coming in. However, the exact timing can vary depending on factors such as your child’s age, genetics, and the position of the tooth.

Schedule an Appointment at Foxhall Dental Center

Whether your child is losing their first tooth or it's time for their routine check-up, Foxhall Dental Center in Washington, D.C., is here to support you. Our expert team, led by Dr. Charles White, is dedicated to ensuring each milestone in your child’s dental journey is a positive experience.