Most kids lose their first baby tooth around age 6. The first ones to go are usually the two bottom front teeth. Then the others come out, one at a time, in about the order they came in.

Losing teeth keeps going until about age 12 or 13, when the last back teeth grow in. Some kids start a little earlier or later than this, and both are normal.

What is happening

Under every baby tooth is a grown-up tooth, waiting. As it grows, it pushes the baby tooth from underneath until the baby tooth gets loose and falls out. That is why a wiggly tooth is a good sign: a new tooth is coming.

Tips

• Wiggle it with a clean hand, but do not pull a tooth that is not ready. It will come out on its own.
• Brush your new teeth with a grown-up, morning and night.
• If a grown-up tooth looks like it is coming in crooked, tell your dentist at your next check-up.