When do Kids Lose Their Teeth and What to Expect
When kids lose their teeth, it is a unique experience for each child, so it’s important not to worry if your child loses a tooth earlier or later than expected. Some teeth fall out easily, while others may take a bit more time. Since children often reflect their parents’ emotions, it’s important to approach this milestone with positivity and excitement. However, as a parent, it’s helpful to know when to expect this process and what’s considered normal. Here’s a general guide to the baby tooth loss process.
When Do Kids Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth between the ages of five and six. The full process of losing baby teeth and having them replaced by permanent teeth typically takes five to seven years. Wisdom teeth, which are the last set of molars, generally come in during the late teenage years, around ages 17 to 21.
Baby teeth usually fall out in the same order in which they came in. Typically, the bottom front teeth go first, followed by the top front teeth, and then the remaining teeth fall out in order along the jawline. It’s not uncommon for kids who grew their baby teeth early to start losing them early, around age four. Conversely, children who get their teeth later may begin losing them later, around age eight.
The Tooth Loss Process
The process of when kids lose their teeth can vary for each child and each tooth. Typically, a tooth will become slightly wiggly a few weeks before it falls out. As time passes, it will become looser and looser. Some teeth will fall out on their own, while others might need a little assistance.
How to Help the Process
It’s natural for children to play with their loose teeth by wiggling them with their fingers or tongue. This can help loosen the tooth, but remind your child not to pull too hard. Trying to remove the tooth too early can cause pain and bleeding and may increase the risk of infection.
If the tooth is extremely loose, you can gently pull it out using clean hands or sterile gauze. If it doesn’t come out easily, wait a few days before trying again. It’s normal for there to be some gum irritation and minimal bleeding when the tooth is lost. If bleeding occurs, apply pressure to the socket for a few minutes using sterile gauze. As long as the tooth wasn’t pulled too early, the bleeding should be light and temporary. If the bleeding doesn’t stop after a few minutes or seems excessive, apply more gauze and contact your dentist right away.
While there’s usually no pain when kids lose their teeth, some children prefer a soft diet for the day after losing a tooth. It’s a good idea to encourage them to avoid chewing directly on the socket for a day or so to help the area heal.
Maintaining Oral Health During the Process
It’s essential to maintain regular oral hygiene throughout the tooth loss process. Remind your child to brush and floss their teeth properly, especially if they seem a little hesitant about the loose tooth. Also, be sure to continue with regular dental checkups, as your dentist can monitor the emergence of the permanent teeth and ensure everything is on track.
Unusual Circumstances
In some cases, the tooth loss process may not follow the typical sequence. For example, permanent teeth may start to emerge behind the baby teeth before the baby teeth fall out. Alternatively, a baby tooth may fall out before the permanent tooth is ready to replace it. If this happens, be sure to keep your dentist informed. In some cases, spacers or the removal of a baby tooth might be necessary to ensure there’s enough space for the permanent tooth to emerge properly.
Give us a call at 406-284-8669 or contact our office to setup a consultation, evaluation or appointment. We are your expert child’s dentist in the Western Montana area. For more information on dentistry, procedures, reviews and more, give us a call. We have three dental offices to serve you in Lolo, Frenchtown, and Superior for Mineral County, Montana.