Your child runs over, tooth in hand, with a big smile and a few drops of blood. Exciting, right? But as a parent, your mind starts racing. Is this normal? Was that tooth supposed to come out yet? Should it have been that wiggly for that long? These are the questions every parent asks during this stage. The good news is that most loose teeth are part of normal growth, but if you’re unsure, our Denville Pediatrics in NJ team is here to help guide you.
Understanding Why Teeth Wiggle in the First Place
Kids usually lose their first baby tooth around age six, but it’s perfectly normal for this to happen a little earlier or later. The roots of baby teeth dissolve naturally to make space for adult teeth, causing the baby tooth to loosen and eventually fall out. This is a healthy process and a big milestone in your child’s growth.
Celebrate: Signs It’s Normal
- Your child is between 5 and 7 years old: This is the most common age range for tooth loss. It typically starts with the bottom front teeth, followed by the top front teeth.
- There’s no swelling or pain: Some light bleeding is normal, but the absence of swelling, redness, or prolonged discomfort is a good sign.
- Your child’s adult tooth is visible underneath: In many cases, you’ll see a permanent tooth poking through before or right after the baby tooth falls out.
- The tooth falls out on its own: Gently wiggling a tooth is fine, but it’s best when it falls out naturally rather than being forced.
Worry: When to Call the Dentist
- The tooth is loose due to trauma: If your child took a fall or had an accident, a loose tooth might be caused by injury, not natural growth. This requires a dental evaluation right away.
- Looseness occurs before age four or long after age seven: While there’s a broad range of normal, teeth becoming loose very early or not at all past a certain age may point to developmental delays or dental issues.
- Pain, swelling, or infection: If the gums are inflamed or your child complains of sharp pain, the wiggly tooth might be a sign of decay or infection rather than normal growth.
- Adult teeth come in before baby teeth fall out, which can cause crowding or misalignment and may require early orthodontic intervention.
What to Do (and Not Do) with a Loose Tooth
- Let your child wiggle the tooth gently with clean fingers or their tongue.
- Avoid tying strings or trying to pull the tooth with force.
- Use a damp cloth to stop any bleeding once the tooth falls out.
- Encourage your child to rinse with water and avoid eating hard or crunchy foods for a day or two.
If your child is nervous, this is a great opportunity to make it fun; leave a small note from the tooth fairy or mark the moment with a photo and a hug. You’re celebrating growth, after all.
Support Through Every Stage of Your Child’s Smile with Denville Pediatrics in NJ
Loose teeth are a natural part of growing up, but sometimes, it’s hard to know if what you’re seeing is completely normal. Our pediatric dental team is here to support families through every wiggle, every gap, and every new tooth. We’re committed to ensuring your child’s dental experience is positive, safe, and personalized.
Whether you’re dealing with baby teeth, cavities, or dental emergencies, Green Leaf Dentistry provides trusted pediatric services for every age. Contact us today to schedule a pediatric dental visit.