Losing a first tooth is a big moment, and for many families the tooth fairy is part of the fun. This guide for parents covers when baby teeth usually fall out, a few ideas for what the tooth fairy does with teeth, and when a wobbly or lost tooth needs a dental check.
When do baby teeth fall out?
Most children lose their first baby tooth at around 6 or 7 years of age, usually one of the lower front teeth. Baby teeth then keep falling out over the next few years, and most children have lost all of them by about 12. Some children start a little earlier or later, which is usually normal.
What does the tooth fairy do with teeth?
Every family has its own story. Some popular ideas you can share with your child:
- She uses the shiniest, cleanest teeth to build her castle, so brushing really matters
- She turns teeth into stars for the night sky
- She keeps every tooth in a special collection and leaves a note or small gift in return
A short note from the tooth fairy praising good brushing can be a simple way to encourage healthy habits.
Tips for a wobbly tooth
- Let the tooth come out on its own. Gentle wiggling with clean fingers or the tongue is fine, but avoid pulling a tooth that is not ready
- If there is a little bleeding when it comes out, have your child bite on clean gauze or a damp face washer for a few minutes
- Keep brushing twice a day with a small smear of fluoride toothpaste, including gently around the gap
When to see a dentist
Book a check if:
- A baby tooth is knocked out or broken in an accident
- A baby tooth is lost early because of decay
- An adult tooth is coming through behind a baby tooth that is not loose after a few weeks (sometimes called shark teeth)
- There is swelling, pain or a lump on the gum
- A tooth has not fallen out long after the matching tooth on the other side
Regular check-ups help us track how adult teeth are coming through. See our kids dentist in Penrith page, our guide to brushing baby teeth and information on the Child Dental Benefits Schedule. Call Penrith Dental Care on (02) 4733 1197.
Reviewed by Mina Gibryal, Penrith Dental Care, October 2026. This article is general information and does not replace advice from your own dental practitioner.