It’s common for parents to ask if their child is losing teeth at the right time. Having the right information on hand will not only help parents to identify whether their child is losing teeth quickly or late, but also to catch any issues early and provide the dental and orthodontic care their child needs. In order to help parents understand and provide the best dental care for their children, we’ve put together this quick article on what causes tooth loss, whether or not children can lose their teeth too quickly, and what parents should do next.

Little boy in plaid shirt smiling with baby teeth

When Do Children Normally Lose Their Teeth?

According to the Mayo Clinic, around six years of age is when most children begin losing their baby teeth. As late as age seven is also considered to be normal for first baby teeth loss. Additionally, losing baby teeth up to a year sooner – as early as age five – is typically not considered to indicate that a child is losing teeth quickly, though any earlier than this may signal cause for concern. 

What to Do If Your Child is Losing Teeth Quickly

As is the case with a number of oral health concerns, the best course of action is to seek out help from a qualified dental health care professional. If you notice looseness in your child’s teeth, or if you’re concerned that your child is losing teeth too early, it’s also important to communicate with your child so that your pediatric dentist can work from the best information possible. 

What Causes Tooth Loss?

There are many potential reasons for tooth loss, some of which are perfectly healthy and normal, and others of which may be cause for concern. Here are a few of the most common causes: 

Young child with baby teeth smiling
  • Tooth or gum injury. A child losing teeth quickly may indicate damage to the tooth or underlying gums, either from an external impact or an injury within the gums. 
  • Gum disease. In some instances, early tooth loss results from periodontal issues that force teeth out before their time. If this is what’s causing tooth loss, it’s important to seek out dental care from a trusted practitioner right away. 

Normal tooth loss. Tooth loss is a natural part of the aging process. If it seems like your child is losing teeth quickly, consulting with your pediatric dentist will help you determine whether there’s something wrong or if your child is right on track.