As a parent, you try to make sure that your child gets what they need to stay healthy. In addition to scheduled visits to the pediatrician, you’re diligent in bringing them to the dentist twice every year. At your four-year-old’s most recent appointment, your children’s dentist says that your little one has a couple of loose baby teeth. You start to worry. Isn’t it too early for that? When do baby teeth begin to fall out? Read on to learn the answers to the most commonly asked questions about your child getting and losing teeth.
When do baby teeth start to come in?
Each baby is unique and may have teeth grow in a varying times; however, the first baby tooth usually erupts around the time they turn six months old. By the time they are one year old or have had their first tooth for six months, you should start bringing your child to the dentist for regular checkups. These early visits will likely just consist of the dental team helping your child feel comfortable, quickly checking for decay, and answering any questions you may have about their dental care at home.
When can baby teeth begin coming out?
Believe it or not, children can have loose teeth as young as four, but they typically don’t start actually losing them until they are between the ages of five and seven. As long as there is no sign of decay or damage and it’s one of the front bottom teeth, there is likely no reason to be worried if the first tooth falls out before then. In general, the first teeth to come out are the bottom front teeth followed by the top front teeth (central incisors). Next, the lateral incisors (i.e., the teeth immediately next to the central incisors) on bottom and on top come out. Finally, your child will lose their cuspids and primary molars when they are between 10 and 12 years old.
If your child loses a tooth before age five whether due to trauma or tooth decay, consult your dentist for solutions to help your child have a healthy smile. On the other hand, if your child still hasn’t lost their first tooth by the time they’re seven, X-rays may show that extra teeth are interfering with the permanent teeth’s development.
When will permanent teeth erupt?
Baby teeth come out because the permanent teeth are lining up and preparing to grow in. In the process, they eat away at the baby teeth’s roots, causing them to weaken and come out with very little effort and little bleeding. The dentist should be able to give you an estimated timeframe for your child’s smile. Keep in mind, however, that every child is different.
In the end, as long as you keep bringing your child for dental appointments on a regular basis and maintain good oral habits at home, you can rest easy and worry less about your child’s oral health. In the meantime, do your best to enjoy your time with your child while they and their smile are still little.
About Beach Dental
At Beach Dental, Long Island families can receive comprehensive dental care from two experienced, skilled dentists. Husband-and-wife team, Dr. Alexis Gersten and Dr. Jason Parli have decades of advanced training and clinical experience. Plus, they are the parents of two children, so they know how to help young smiles stay healthy. If you have questions about your child’s oral health, you can contact Dr. Gersten and Dr. Parli at Beach Dental by calling (631) 325-0731 or clicking here.