The first wobbly tooth: a guide to losing baby teeth (and the Tooth Fairy)

When and in which order baby teeth fall out

The first to wobble are usually the lower central incisors, around age 6, followed by the upper ones. Then, calmly, the lateral incisors (7-8), first molars and canines (9-12) and finally the second molars (10-12). The whole exchange takes about six years: it's not a race.

Being 6-12 months earlier or later than these ages is completely normal. Meanwhile, behind the last baby molars, the first permanent molars erupt: the famous 'six-year molars', which replace no baby tooth and should be protected with sealants.

Wobbly tooth: what to do (and what not to)

Let your child wiggle it with the tongue or clean fingers: the tooth falls out when the root has almost fully resorbed, usually painlessly and with very little blood. No string tied to the door handle: you risk breaking the root or injuring the gum.

If the tooth has wobbled for weeks without falling out and your child can't eat, or if it's loose because of a knock rather than natural exchange, call us: in a few seconds, with a little anaesthetic gel, we'll remove it.

'Shark teeth'

It often happens that the permanent incisor erupts behind the still-firm baby tooth, creating a double row like a shark's. It's not an emergency: in most cases, wiggling the baby tooth, it falls out within a few weeks and the tongue pushes the permanent tooth into place. If after a month the baby tooth is still there, we'll assess it together.

The Tooth Fairy, the dentist's ally

The Tooth Fairy (or the Tooth Mouse, as many families do) is a precious ritual: it turns a potentially scary moment into a celebration. Our suggestion: instead of money or sweets, the Fairy can leave a note praising the tooth 'looked after so well', a new toothbrush or a small book.

A lost baby tooth can be kept in a little box: many children love bringing it to the clinic to show us. And many parents ask: 'The tooth had a cavity, is that a problem?'. No, but it's a sign that the incoming permanent tooth needs more protection: the right time for a visit and to plan sealants. Call us on 051 814000.