Reviewed by Dr. Chau McGovern
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Reading Time: Three Minutes
Baby teeth are meant to fall out eventually but when one comes out much earlier than expected, it can raise a few questions. Maybe your child bumped their mouth during play, or a cavity weakened the tooth. Whatever the reason, early tooth loss is something worth checking on.
At Akoya Pediatric Dentistry, we help parents in Southwest Ranches understand what’s normal, what’s not, and what to do next to keep your child’s smile healthy and growing strong.
Table of Contents
What Is Considered Early Tooth Loss?
Most kids start losing baby teeth around age 6 and finish by age 12. But if a baby tooth falls out well before it’s supposed to, that’s considered early tooth loss.
This can happen for a few reasons:
- Tooth decay that damages the tooth beyond repair
- Injury from a fall or impact to the mouth
- Gum issues or health conditions that affect tooth stability
It’s not always an emergency but it is important to have it looked at, especially if the adult tooth underneath isn’t quite ready to come in yet.
Curious about when baby teeth typically fall out? Take a look at our tooth eruption and shedding chart to see what’s expected at each stage.
Why Baby Teeth Matter
Even though they are temporary, baby teeth have some very important jobs:
- They hold space for the permanent teeth
- Help with chewing and speaking
- Guide adult teeth into the right position
When one falls out too early, nearby teeth can start to shift into the empty space. That can make it harder for the permanent tooth to come in straight and may lead to crowding or future orthodontic needs.
How We Can Help
If your child loses a tooth earlier than expected, we may recommend a space maintainer; a small device that keeps the space open until the adult tooth is ready to come in.
Not every child needs one, but during your visit, we’ll take a close look and walk you through the best next steps. Our goal is to support healthy development and keep your child’s smile right on track.
Tips to Help Prevent Early Tooth Loss
While not everything can be prevented (kids will be kids!), there are a few ways to help lower the risk:
- Keep up with regular dental visits
- Brush and floss daily
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Treat cavities early
- Use a mouthguard for sports or active play
We are always happy to talk through any habits or concerns you have.
Keeping Little Smiles on Track in Southwest Ranches, FL
If your child has lost a tooth earlier than expected, give us a call. We’re here to answer your questions, ease any worries, and make sure your child’s dental development stays right on schedule.
To book an appointment at our pediatric dental office in Southwest Ranches, FL, call (954) 799-6212. Akoya Pediatric Dentistry proudly serves patients from Broward County, Pembroke Pines, Weston, and Davie, FL.
FAQ About Early Tooth Loss in Kids
Is 5 years old too early to lose a tooth?
Most children start losing their baby teeth between ages 6 and 7, but some kids lose their first tooth a little earlier, especially if they started getting baby teeth early as infants. If your 5-year-old loses a tooth without any signs of injury or decay, and the new tooth starts coming in soon after, it’s likely just part of their natural timeline. However, if the tooth came out suddenly, due to trauma, or there’s no sign of the permanent tooth underneath, it’s a good idea to schedule a visit so we can take a closer look.
What happens if you lose a tooth too early?
When a baby tooth is lost too early it can cause the surrounding teeth to shift into that empty space. This may lead to problems like crowding, bite issues, or delayed eruption of the permanent tooth. To help prevent those issues, a pediatric dentist might recommend a small appliance called a space maintainer. It keeps the space open and helps guide the adult tooth into place when the time is right.
