As a parent, it’s natural to worry when something seems out of the ordinary
Especially when it comes to your child’s health. So if your child suddenly loses a baby tooth earlier than expected, you might be wondering: Is this normal? Do I need to do anything? Should we see the dentist?
First of all, take a breath. At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we hear this question all the time—and most of the time, it’s not a dental emergency. But it is worth paying attention to. In this post, we’ll walk you through what’s considered normal when it comes to losing baby teeth, when it might be a concern, and what you can do to keep your child’s smile on track.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 to chat with our pediatric-friendly dental team—we’re happy to help
When Do Kids Typically Start Losing Baby Teeth?
Most kids begin losing their baby teeth around age 6, starting with the lower front teeth (central incisors). From there, the rest usually follow in a pretty predictable pattern and continue to fall out until around age 12 or 13.
That said, every child is different. Some may lose their first tooth as early as 4 or as late as 7. A bit of variation is totally normal—so if your child is slightly ahead or behind, that’s okay.
So What Counts as “Early” Tooth Loss?
Losing a baby tooth before age 4 is generally considered early. If it happens before this age, especially without signs of the adult tooth coming in, it’s worth checking in with your dentist.
Some common reasons for early tooth loss include:
- A fall or injury (kids are active—accidents happen)
- Tooth decay that weakens the tooth and causes it to fall out
- Gum disease or infection around the baby tooth
- An underlying health condition (rare, but possible)
If your child lost a tooth due to trauma or infection, even if they’re not in pain, we recommend giving us a call. We’ll take a look to make sure everything is healing well and that the adult tooth underneath has room to grow in properly.
Should I Be Worried About the Adult Tooth?
Here’s the good news: baby teeth are supposed to make way for permanent teeth—but if they fall out too early, there’s a chance the space left behind could close up before the adult tooth is ready to erupt. That can cause crowding or misalignment later.
To prevent this, we might recommend a space maintainer—a small, custom device that holds the space open for the adult tooth. It’s not always needed, but it’s a simple and effective way to prevent future orthodontic problems.
We’ll let you know during your visit if that’s something worth considering.
What If the Tooth Fell Out Naturally but Earlier Than Expected?
If the tooth came out on its own and your child is otherwise healthy, it may simply be a case of early development. Some kids are just ahead of schedule! We’ll keep an eye on their dental development at their routine cleanings and make sure everything’s progressing smoothly.
What to Do If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
Accidents happen—especially during playground time, sports, or even just roughhousing with siblings. If your child has a knocked-out baby tooth, here’s what to do:
- Stay calm and comfort your child
- Have them rinse gently with warm water
- Apply a cold compress if there’s any swelling
- Save the tooth if you can (we might want to see it)
- Give us a call—we’ll let you know if an in-person visit is needed
Don’t try to put a baby tooth back in, like you would with a permanent tooth. It could damage the developing adult tooth underneath.
What Happens at the Dentist if Your Child Loses a Tooth Early?
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we’ll make the experience stress-free—for you and your child. Here’s what a typical visit might include:
- A gentle exam of your child’s mouth to check the gums and spacing
- A quick X-ray to see how the adult tooth is developing
- A discussion about whether a space maintainer is needed
- Tips for home care and what to expect next
We’ll answer any questions you have, and we’ll always explain everything in kid-friendly language to make sure your child feels comfortable.
Tips to Keep Baby Teeth Healthy (So They Fall Out When They’re Supposed To)
The best way to help baby teeth last until their natural time is to build good dental habits early. Here’s what we recommend:
- Brush teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste (a pea-sized amount is plenty for kids)
- Floss once a day once teeth start touching
- Limit sugary snacks and drinks—especially juice and sticky candies
- Schedule regular cleanings every 6 months
- Ask us about fluoride treatments and sealants for extra protection
Good habits now mean fewer issues later—and we’re here to make it fun and manageable.
Why Parents Trust Smiley Dental of Fairhaven with Their Kids’ Smiles
We know going to the dentist can be a little scary for kids (and even parents!), so we’ve built our practice around gentle, positive experiences. From the waiting room to the dental chair, our goal is to make every visit feel safe, friendly, and helpful.
Families in Fairhaven love us because we:
- Use age-appropriate language and explain everything
- Offer flexible scheduling and same-day advice if needed
- Provide practical guidance, not judgment
- Make kids feel like rock stars for taking care of their teeth
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 today if your child has lost a tooth early—or just needs a routine visit. We’re here when you need us.
Final Thoughts
Losing a baby tooth early doesn’t always mean something’s wrong—but it is a reason to check in. Whether it’s a natural part of growing up or the result of a bump or cavity, we’re here to make sure everything is on track and worry-free.
At Smiley Dental of Fairhaven, we’re proud to be your family’s partner in healthy, happy smiles—starting from the very first tooth.
📞 Call (508) 967-1000 to schedule your child’s visit or ask a quick question. We’re just a phone call away.
