When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Feeling a tooth wiggle and loosen for the first time is a big milestone for both children and their parents. Losing baby teeth may be a bittersweet sign for parents that your sweet baby is growing up, but your little one is almost sure to feel a sense of accomplishment when that tiny wobbly pearl of a tooth is finally shed.
It is good to know approximately when the baby teeth are likely to fall out.
Although there is no way to predict exactly when it will happen, most children follow a fairly consistent schedule of baby tooth loss. If the first baby teeth came in a little ahead of schedule, you can probably expect them to start to get loose a little earlier as well. If the first teeth came in a little later, your little one will probably hold on to those baby teeth a little longer as well. Here is a schedule that will give you an idea of when to expect visits from the Tooth Fairy in your house.
Upper and Lower Central Incisors (front teeth) are usually lost between 6-7 years old. Soon to follow are the upper and lower lateral incisors (eye teeth) between 7-8 years old. The lower canines will go next, around 9-11 years, and their counterparts on the upper will fall out around 10-12 years old. The upper and lower baby first molars will usually loosen up around 9-11 years old, and finally the baby second molars will be lost around age 10-12.
Losing the first baby tooth can be both exciting and scary for kids.
Anticipating a visit from the Tooth Fairy helps make losing baby teeth fun, but your child may also be afraid that a loose tooth is going to hurt. It is a good idea to let them know what to expect, and reassure them that they should feel no pain. Teach them about how their smile is going to change as the new, adult teeth start to come in. Here are some important things to remember when it comes to losing baby teeth:
It’s ok to wiggle a loose tooth, but you shouldn’t yank on it.Forcing a tooth out before it is ready can cause the root to fracture, which could lead to an infection.
If a loose tooth does not eventually fall out, it might need help from your dentist.
The first baby teeth to come in are almost always the first ones to fall out.
Not every child follows the same schedule for baby tooth loss.If the baby teeth came in ahead of schedule, you can expect them to fall out ahead of schedule.If their baby teeth came in late, they will probably start getting loose a little later than usual as well.
Brush up on good dental habits.
If your child has started losing baby teeth, it is a good time to brush up on practicing good dental habits to help keep those permanent teeth healthy. Make sure they are brushing well with a fluoride toothpaste and starting to floss. See your dentist at least every 6 months, and have sealants placed as recommended to help prevent cavities.
For more information about the normal baby tooth eruption and baby tooth loss schedule, contact us.
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