Reviewed By Dr. Jodi Kuhn
Reading time: 4 minutes
When your child loses their first tooth, it is more than a milestone, it is a moment filled with excitement, questions, and maybe a little nervous energy. While the Tooth Fairy brings fun and imagination into this rite of passage, there is real dental science behind every lost tooth.
In this blog, we will answer the most common Tooth Fairy questions children ask, and give you helpful insight into why baby teeth matter and how to support good dental habits.
We are always accepting new patients at our offices in Denver, Aurora, Thornton and Hampden.
Table of Contents
What Does the Tooth Fairy Do With the Teeth?
This is the number one question children ask and the answer can be as magical and mysterious as you want it to be.
Some favorite theories:
- Builds castles in the clouds with sparkling white towers made from baby teeth.
- Creates stars or fairy dust that lights up the night sky.
- Plants them in the Tooth Fairy Garden, where each one grows into a wish.
From a dentist’s point of view, baby teeth also play a big role in your child’s oral health. They help track growth, identify alignment or spacing issues, and give early signs of tooth decay or injury.
Why Does the Tooth Fairy Take the Tooth?
Losing a baby tooth is one of the first signs your child is growing up. The Tooth Fairy’s visit celebrates this moment with a little surprise and helps make the process less scary. It is a transition: out with the baby tooth, in with the permanent one.
Parents can use this time to remind their child that caring for new “grown-up” teeth starts right now, brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and making healthy food choices. Introduce fun oral health products to make these habits more engaging.
When Will My Child Lose Their First Tooth?
Most children lose their first tooth between ages 5 and 7. It typically starts with the lower front teeth, and the rest follow gradually until age 12 or 13.
If your child loses a tooth earlier or later than expected, it is usually nothing to worry about. But it is smart to bring it up at their dental checkup, especially if:
- They have not lost any teeth by age 8
- They lose a tooth from injury rather than natural wiggling
- There is visible swelling, discoloration, or pain
Children’s dental care includes monitoring how teeth come in, and dentists may use digital x-rays to check that everything is developing on schedule.
What If My Child Swallowed Their Tooth?
It happens more often than you might think. Baby teeth are tiny and usually pass through the body without any trouble.
Here is what to do:
- Help your child write a Tooth Fairy letter explaining what happened.
- Leave the note under the pillow in place of the tooth.
What If My Child Is Scared or Says It Hurts?
It is normal to feel nervous. Many children worry the tooth will hurt coming out, but it usually does not. Encourage your child to:
- Wiggle the tooth gently over time–never force it out
- Eat soft foods if the area feels tender
- Talk about it with friends or siblings who have lost teeth already
If a tooth seems stuck, crooked, or painful for more than a few days, check with your dental care provider.
What If the Tooth Gets Lost at School or Outside?
This can turn into a mini crisis, unless you plan ahead. If the tooth is gone:
- Write a note to explain to the Tooth Fairy.
- If your child is at school, ask the teacher or school nurses to help put it in a small envelope.
- Keep a “Tooth Saver” container or pouch in your child’s backpack just in case.
How Much Money Should the Tooth Fairy Leave?
There is no right answer. The national average in the U.S. is around $5, but families leave anywhere from coins to small toys or notes.
The tradition matters more than the amount. Whether it is a dollar bill or a sticker, the magic stays alive when your child feels celebrated.
What Should Children Do Before the Tooth Fairy Comes?
Use this moment to sneak in a little oral hygiene motivation. Here is what to do before bed on Tooth Fairy night:
- Brush and floss carefully, especially around the wiggly tooth spot
- Place the tooth in a clean envelope or special pouch
- Write a Tooth Fairy letter, if it is their first lost tooth
- Smile in the mirror because they are growing up!
This is also a good time to reinforce oral health habits that prevent future dental problems like cavities, dental anxiety, or premature loss of children’s teeth.
From the Dentist’s Chair: Why Baby Teeth Matter
Baby teeth are temporary, but they set the stage for a lifetime of oral health. Here is what to keep in mind:
- Baby teeth hold space for permanent teeth and guide them into the right position
- Tooth decay in baby teeth can spread quickly and affect future adult teeth
- Early dental checkups (by age 1) help catch issues early, prevent cavities, and reduce fear of the dentist
If your child has just lost their first tooth, it is a perfect time to schedule their next dental visit. You will get professional advice, check for healthy development, and make sure the Tooth Fairy is not the only one keeping an eye on those little pearly whites.
Schedule a Dental Visit for Your Child
Our team is here to make every dental milestone feel magical. At Youth Dentistry & Orthodontics we welcome families with Medicaid and accepts patients of all ages at these locations:
📍Denver Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 1400 Grove Street, Denver, CO 80204 | (303) 825-2295
📍Aurora Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 14251 E. 6th Avenue, Aurora, CO 80011 | (303) 343-3133
📍Thornton Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 550 E. Thornton Parkway, Suite 240A, Thornton, CO 80229 | (303) 280-8878
📍Hampden Youth Dentistry and Orthodontics: 7400 East Hampden Ave. Unit C1, Denver, CO 80231 | (720) 826-3694
