What Should I Know About My Child Losing Teeth
Baby teeth can begin to come out starting around 4 or 5 years of age and can continue through the age of 15. This happens as adult teeth start making their way through the surface and simply push the baby teeth out! Most children lose their baby teeth in the same order they came in, typically the two front teeth are the first to go, followed by the canines all the way to their molars.
Sometimes, parents may think that baby teeth do not require the same care and attention as adult teeth since they will be lost anyway, but this is not the case! The health of baby teeth is important to the proper development of the adult teeth. Decay in baby teeth can actually spread to impacted adult teeth so it is important to care for your child’s baby teeth as you do your own.
Teaching them proper oral hygiene early will help and still a lifetime of good habits. In the event that your child loses a tooth early, you should get them to their Dentist as soon as possible to prevent more significant issues in the future. If they have not lost any teeth by the age of eight or if an adult tooth comes out before baby teeth have fallen out, you will need to speak with their Dentist about this as well, to ensure there aren’t any problems.
Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?
It is ideal to let baby teeth fall out naturally to avoid trauma to the gums around the tooth which are probably already sore. Your child will likely play with the loose tooth, using their tongue or fingers to wiggle it around and that is ok, even encouraged.
When you talk to your child about what happens when they lose a tooth, make sure that they know that it is normal and expected. They should also be aware that there may be some blood when the tooth does fall out and then that is also normal. Let them know that if they lose a tooth at school, they can go to the school nurse for assistance.
If you need help guiding your child through losing their teeth, there are a number of fun children’s books to read all about their teeth!
Erupting Adult Teeth
When your child's adult teeth begin to come in, it is not nearly as painful as it is for a baby. They may experience some discomfort when their molars come in but that can be managed with an over-the-counter pain medication such as children’s Tylenol or Advil.
Their adult teeth will be noticeably larger and more rigid than their baby teeth. Make sure to encourage oral health with your child and maintain regular visits to the Pediatric Dentist at least twice a year, unless otherwise advised by their Dentist.