Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage for children that can be an exciting experience. Knowing when to expect your child’s first tooth loss can help you prepare for the event. In this blog, we will discuss the different stages of tooth loss, the signs that your child’s baby teeth are preparing to fall out, and how to encourage good dental habits for a healthy smile as your child transitions into permanent adult teeth.
When Should I Expect My Child to Lose Their Baby Teeth?
The primary teeth, also known as baby teeth or deciduous teeth, are the first set of teeth that appear in a person’s mouth. The eruption of these primary teeth usually begins at around 6 months old, although it can vary from child to child. A child’s primary dentition consists of 20 teeth, which include 8 incisors, 8 molars, and 4 cuspids. Typically by age 3, all 20 of the primary teeth have erupted into the mouth.
The process of getting adult or permanent teeth usually begins around age 6 when the first permanent molars start to erupt into the mouth. These permanent molars are followed by other types of permanent teeth, such as premolars (also called bicuspids) and then finally canines (also called cuspids). By age 12 or 13, all 32 adult or permanent teeth should be present in the mouth with the exception of third molars (or wisdom teeth); however, this age may vary.
Signs Your Child’s Baby Teeth Are Ready to Fall Out
The most common sign that a baby tooth is ready to fall out is wiggling. You may notice your child pushing on their tooth or trying to pull it out with their fingers as it loosens over time. Other signs could include reddened gums around the loose tooth or a slight gap between where the baby tooth used to be and where the adult tooth will come in.
The Tooth Fairy & Tooth Loss
In preparation for losing their baby teeth, many families celebrate by utilizing the Tooth Fairy tradition. This can be especially helpful if you have multiple children who lose their teeth around the same time; having something special for each one can help them enjoy the experience more.
Monitoring Milestones
Your child’s first lost tooth marks an important milestone. Keep an eye out for any changes in their mouth as they approach age 6, watch out for signs that a baby tooth is beginning to loosen.
By understanding when kids start losing teeth, being prepared with a plan for the Tooth Fairy tradition, and making sure your child practices good oral hygiene habits such as brushing and flossing regularly, you can make sure that their smiles remain healthy during this pivotal moment in life. Let’s ensure that your child’s transition into adult teeth is smooth sailing!
Extracting Baby Teeth
There are several reasons why a dentist may need to extract one of your child’s teeth, such as if the tooth is damaged beyond repair or if there is not enough room in the mouth for all of the teeth. If a baby tooth has been knocked out of place, but the adult tooth underneath has not yet come in, then it may be necessary to pull the baby tooth so that the adult tooth can come through properly. Another reason why you might need to pull a child’s tooth is if they have an infection that cannot be treated with antibiotics alone, or if they have a condition such as periodontal disease.
Maintaining Dental Health
It is important to remember that during the period when both primary and adult/permanent teeth are present in a child’s mouth at the same time, proper oral hygiene must be maintained to help prevent decay and disease.
Parents should ensure that their children brush twice daily with toothpaste and floss regularly; they should also schedule regular visits to their dentist for routine cleanings and checkups. Proper preventive care is an important step to help your child’s smile stay healthy throughout their life.
