When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth: A Definitive Guide

Did you know that 3.8 million babies are born in the United States every year?

As a parent, you want your children to be the best they can be. That’s why you’ll do a lot to ensure their health is consistent as they get older. One of the things you must consider is their dental health, especially their baby teeth.

Don’t dismiss dental care yet.

When do children lose their baby teeth? With this guide, you’ll learn that alongside the benefits of getting a pediatric dentist. Read on and find out more.

When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?

The usual time for children to start losing their teeth is anywhere between five and six years old. But if you count wiggly teeth, as young as age four is still normal. When this happens too early, your first question is to think about whether they had trauma, like a fall.

One of the primary reasons for children losing baby teeth is falling. Regardless, you need not feel concerned if your child lost one of their front bottom teeth without symptoms of decay or trauma.

Another factor you must consider is whether your child has special needs, as well as their gender. For example, children with Down syndrome tend to lose their baby teeth later in life. Also, girls are more likely to get and lose their baby teeth compared to boys.

What Should You Expect?

The reason baby teeth become loose is because of adult teeth moving up in the jaw. Eventually, this movement will cause it to fall out. For children, the root of baby teeth functions like a guide for their permanent teeth to come in.

The permanent tooth eats away the root of the baby tooth. After the two bottom front teeth fall, their top front counterparts follow. After that are the next two on either side of their bottom jaw, and finally, the two lateral incisors located on the top.

By the time your child is seven or eight, these first eight teeth are gone. During this time, their six-year molars grow into the space located at the back of their jaw. This causes your child to feel irritated, similar to when they first grew their teeth.

As for the rest of their baby teeth, they won’t fall until they turn 10 or 12. This goes for any tooth, from cuspids to primary molars. But if their teeth erupted earlier as a baby, they’ll lose it early as well.

You must feel concerned once your child didn’t lose their first tooth by the time they turn seven. Let them get X-rays to see whether a dental issue is hindering this process. It’s important because having extra teeth prevents the permanent teeth from pushing the baby teeth out.

How to Remove Loose Teeth

Never yank loose teeth, meaning you must avoid tying a string to a doorknob to pull it out. Let it come off naturally since it requires minimal effort. In most cases, this won’t cause a lot of bleeding.

For now, ensure that your child’s brushing habits are well at the gum line. It’s because the tooth will often come out easier when they brush regularly.

The Benefits of a Pediatric Dentist

Regardless of your age, you’re likely anxious about going to a dentist’s office. After all, the strange smells, scary drilling noises, and the painful past experiences make it scary. It’s especially scary for your children, leading them to put off dental visits when they reach adulthood.

That’s why you must make a good association with the dentist while they’re young. This is crucial to their development, both physically and emotionally. To do this, ask the internet, “where is the nearest pediatric dentist near me?”

Here are the benefits of going to a pediatric dentist.

1. A Welcoming Environment

Most children feel intimidated when they go to the dentist’s office because of its sterile and medical environment. This causes them to become more distressed and form more bad memories as a result. But since pediatric dentistry caters to children, the dental office reflects that.

The premises will have bright and cheerful colors with cute animals or fantasy designs. With this, your children feel more comfortable and calmer.

2. Specialized Staff

Children feel scared when people treat them without kindness. The fact that some staff members of certain dentist offices treat patients coldly compounds their fear. But with a pediatric dentist, you can rest easy since the members specialize in dealing with children.

Even when your children become hysterical, the staff has soothing techniques up their sleeve to help them. It’s an especially valuable skill if your child has special needs. For example, pediatric dental staff train to use the right methods when dealing with hyperactive children.

3. Primary Teeth Care Specialization

Primary teeth require dental care since not all of them fall out. If your child suffers from dental problems, the pediatric dentist knows how to fix it. Take note, baby teeth have thinner enamel, so regular dentists aren’t as effective since they specialize in adult care more.

4. Dental Care Becomes Fun

Brushing and flossing aren’t fun activities, especially for children. But with a pediatric dentist, your children will pick up good habits from fun lessons. Also, kids tend to listen to non-familial authoritative figures, so get a pediatric dentist they can admire.

Picking the perfect dentist for your family increases your child’s willingness to go to the dentist. They’re also more willing to accomplish their daily oral hygiene routines. Before long, you need not remind them all the time since they will take the initiative instead.

Get a Pediatric Dentist Today

These are things you must consider when answering the question, “when do children lose their baby teeth?” Use this to adjust your child’s dental upbringing and ensure they grow with a radiant, perfect smile.

Did you find this guide motivational? If so, we encourage you to read our posts for more informative articles.