Why do baby teeth get loose?
Baby teeth usually loosen because an adult tooth developing underneath is preparing to push into the mouth.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) explains that baby teeth eventually fall out so the adult teeth can push into the mouth, and that baby teeth often start to become loose and wiggly at around age six, often beginning with the lower front teeth (teeth.org.au). Better Health Channel likewise notes that from about age 6, deciduous (baby) teeth start to become wobbly and fall out to make way for adult teeth, and that other permanent teeth erupt into the spaces left once those baby teeth have gone.
This page is general information only. It does not diagnose your child or replace a visit with your dentist.
Should we let a loose baby tooth fall out on its own?
In most cases, yes — let a loose baby tooth fall out on its own rather than forcing it out at home.
The Royal Children’s Hospital (RCH) advises parents to let loose baby teeth fall out on their own. Yanking or twisting a tooth that is not ready can injure the gums or nearby teeth, and home extraction is not something Australian children’s dental guidance supports.
A little tenderness when a tooth is very mobile can happen as it loosens. Lasting pain, swelling, or a tooth knocked loose by trauma needs a phone call to a dentist (see below).
How do we look after a wobbly tooth day to day?
Keep brushing twice a day, taking extra care around the loose tooth, and avoid forcing the tooth with fingers or string.
Raising Children Network notes that chewing can feel harder when baby teeth are loose or missing, and that it is important to keep up the brushing routine with extra care around loose or sensitive areas. Soft foods for a day or two can help if biting on that side feels awkward. Encourage your child not to pick at the tooth constantly, and not to use tools or string to pull it.
Everyday cleaning still matters while the baby tooth is in the mouth. For age-by-age toothpaste amounts and brushing habits, see how to look after your child’s teeth.
When should we phone a dentist?
Phone a dentist if a baby tooth loosens after an injury, if pain lasts longer than you expect for a normal wobbly tooth, or if you notice signs that need a check — such as swelling, fever, or pus.
Healthdirect advises seeking urgent help for a lot of bleeding or swelling after a dental injury, and always visiting a dentist after trauma to the mouth or teeth. If a fall, knock, or sports bang made a baby tooth loose or knocked it out, do not try to put a baby tooth back in; rinse the mouth and call a dentist for advice (see also our note on knocked-out baby teeth in what to do in a dental emergency).
For gums that stay swollen, or swollen gums with other worrying symptoms such as severe mouth pain or bleeding that will not stop, healthdirect advises dental or medical care (swollen gums). Do not try to treat a suspected infection at home — seek care.
Raising Children Network and RCH also note that sometimes an adult tooth comes through before the baby tooth has fallen out. If the baby tooth has not fallen out within about 2 to 3 months, they advise seeing a dentist (Raising Children Network; RCH).
Does timing always follow the same schedule?
No — timing varies widely between children, so link to related guides rather than treating one calendar as fixed.
The ADA says some children lose their first tooth earlier than 6 years, and others a little later, and that this is normal (teeth.org.au). Better Health Channel notes it is normal to lose a first tooth up to about 2 years earlier or later than age 6 (Better Health Channel).
For how baby teeth first appear, see teething: what to expect and how to help. For early visits, see what happens at a child’s first dental visit. For care once adult molars arrive in the school years, see preventing tooth decay in school-age children. Eligible families may also use the Child Dental Benefits Schedule for some basic care — our CDBS Mortlake FAQ explains how to check eligibility.
Book a children’s visit in Mortlake
AMK Dental Clinic offers children’s dentistry at Shop 3, 46 Tennyson Road, Mortlake NSW 2137, for families from Mortlake and nearby suburbs including Breakfast Point, Cabarita and Concord. To book, call (02) 9739 6525 or use our contact page.
This article is general information only. It does not replace advice from your doctor or dentist about your child.
This article is general information only and is not a substitute for advice about your own situation. Please speak with a dentist about your needs.
Common questions
Why do baby teeth get loose?
Baby teeth usually loosen so adult teeth can push into the mouth. The Australian Dental Association notes that baby teeth fall out so adult teeth can come through, and that teeth often start to feel loose and wiggly around age six, often beginning with the lower front teeth. Better Health Channel likewise says deciduous teeth become wobbly from about age 6 to make way for adult teeth. Timing varies between children.
Should I pull out my child's loose baby tooth at home?
The Royal Children's Hospital advises letting loose baby teeth fall out on their own. Forcing a tooth that is not ready can injure the gums or nearby teeth and is not something to try at home. Keep brushing with care around the wobbly tooth, and offer soft foods if chewing feels awkward. If the tooth was loosened by a bang or fall, or if pain or swelling worries you, phone a dentist rather than trying to remove it yourself.
When should I phone a dentist about a loose baby tooth?
Phone a dentist if the tooth became loose after an injury, if pain lasts longer than you expect for a normal wobbly tooth, or if you notice swelling, fever, or other signs that need a check. Healthdirect advises seeking care after dental injury and for swollen gums that do not settle. Raising Children Network also says to see a dentist if an adult tooth has been through for 2 to 3 months and the baby tooth has not fallen out.
