Losing baby teeth is one of the most exciting milestones of childhood. For kids, it means visits from the Tooth Fairy. For parents, it often means late-night sneaking into bedrooms trying not to wake a sleeping child while swapping a tiny tooth for a few dollars.
At Connected Smile Solutions, we celebrate these milestones with our young patients all the time. As a family dentist in Sandy Springs, Dr. Jennie Austin helps children and parents navigate everything from that very first loose tooth to a full set of healthy adult teeth.
And while we love talking about kids’ dental health, I’ll admit something from personal experience at home…
Dr. Austin Is Not the Most Reliable Tooth Fairy Assistant
Despite being a dentist, Dr. Austin is notorious for forgetting to retrieve the tooth and place the money under the pillow.
More than once.
Yes—even dentists forget.
There have been several mornings in the Austin household when a child woke up wondering why the Tooth Fairy hadn’t come yet. Luckily, a quick explanation that the Tooth Fairy had a very busy night visiting lots of houses usually solves the problem.
If you’ve ever forgotten your Tooth Fairy duties, don’t worry—you’re definitely not alone.
When Do Kids Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?
One of the most common questions parents ask a family dentist is when children should start losing their teeth.
Most kids begin losing baby teeth around age 5–7, though some may start a little earlier or later.
The typical order looks like this:
- Lower front teeth (bottom incisors)
- Upper front teeth
- Side incisors
- First molars
- Canines
- Second molars
By around age 12, most children have lost all their baby teeth and their permanent teeth have erupted.
If a tooth becomes loose, it’s usually best to let it fall out naturally. Gentle wiggling is okay, but forcing a tooth out too early can cause discomfort.
What to Do When Your Child Loses a Tooth
When your child loses a tooth, a few simple steps can help keep everything comfortable:
• Rinse the mouth with water• Apply gentle pressure with gauze if there is minor bleeding• Avoid very crunchy foods for a few hours• Continue brushing and flossing normally
If your child experiences unusual pain or swelling, it’s always a good idea to contact your family dentist in Sandy Springs for guidance.
Tooth Fairy Tips for Parents (From Someone Who Forgets)
If you’ve ever scrambled late at night realizing you forgot the Tooth Fairy visit, here are a few helpful tricks.
1. Leave Tooth Fairy Money Ready
Keep a few dollars or coins in a drawer so you’re not searching the house at midnight.
2. Set a Phone Reminder
A simple reminder labeled “Tooth Fairy!” can save you the morning panic.
3. Create a Tooth Fairy Kit
Some parents keep envelopes, glitter, or tiny notes ready to make the experience more magical.
4. Check Before You Go to Bed
If your child mentioned a loose tooth during the day, check under their pillow before turning in for the night.
5. Have a Backup Plan
If the Tooth Fairy forgets (it happens!), leave a note explaining she had a very busy night visiting many children.
Kids are usually very understanding—and sometimes they’re just excited for the next night’s visit.
Helping Growing Smiles in Sandy Springs
Watching children grow from their first loose tooth to a confident adult smile is one of the best parts of being a family dentist in Sandy Springs.
At Connected Smile Solutions, we love helping kids develop healthy habits that will last a lifetime. From preventive care and cleanings to helping parents understand their child’s dental development, our goal is to make dental visits positive and comfortable for the entire family.
And while Dr. Austin may occasionally forget her Tooth Fairy responsibilities at home, helping children keep their teeth healthy is something we never forget in the office.
Looking for a family dentist in Sandy Springs?
Connected Smile Solutions proudly serves families in Sandy Springs, Brookhaven, and Chamblee, providing gentle, comprehensive dental care for children and adults.
Schedule your child’s visit today and let us help keep their growing smile healthy.