You were excited to see your little one get their first tooth. Now, as they are getting older, they are approaching a new major milestone - losing their first baby tooth.
Both your child and you may be equally excited and nervous about this, especially if you don't really know what to expect. The best thing you can do is visit us at Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry for preventive care. In addition to cleanings and oral exams, we can also help you understand why, when, and how tooth loss happens in children.
In the meantime, you can also read this article for more information.
The first thing you need to understand is that every child is different, and the timeline can vary. However, in most cases, the pattern looks something like this:
The first baby teeth to fall are the lower central incisors. They are located in the front of the mouth and are used for biting and cutting food. These teeth usually start to wiggle and become loose around age 6 and fall between ages 6 and 7.
After the lower central incisors, the next ones to fall are the upper central incisors and the lateral incisors. These teeth are located next to the central incisors and usually become loose between ages 7 and 8.
The first molars start to wiggle and become loose around age 6 and fall between ages 9 and 11.
The canine teeth will fall out between ages 9 and 12. The second molars, located in the very back of the mouth, typically become loose and are lost between ages 10 and 12.
Feeling their tooth wiggle in their mouth might feel a bit scary for your child, so it's important to prepare them for the event. Explain to them in simple terms that losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up and that it means their adult teeth are starting to come in. You can also show them pictures of children losing their teeth or read books together that talk about the topic.
If a tooth becomes loose, you can help your child to wiggle it gently to help it come out faster. Let them know that it's normal for their gums to be sore for a few days after the tooth comes out and that a permanent tooth will replace the tooth.
To make the experience more memorable and enjoyable, the Tooth Fairy can pay them a visit and offer them a small present.
It's normal to feel anxious about your child's oral development. At Cavity Patrol Pediatric Dentistry, we can make sure that your child's teeth grow and develop properly and that they will have a healthy and lasting smile. We do all that by providing pediatric dental care in a fun and positive way.
Contact us today to book an appointment for your little one.
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