For a child, a wiggly tooth is both an exciting and potentially nerve-wracking experience.
Children are generally eager to experience the milestone of loosing their first tooth and a visit from the tooth fairy, however, children may also be nervous about feeling pain with the loss of the tooth, and they may be concerned about what it will feel like when another tooth grows into its place.
Adding to the anxiety, parents are often curious and unsure if their child’s tooth loss is age appropriate. Here are some common questions and facts about childhood tooth loss to provide some guidance around the issue.
At what age should my child loose his/her first tooth?
According to dental experts at the Mayo Clinic, children generally begin to loose their baby teeth beginning at the age of 5 or 6. By the age of 12 or 13, adolescents generally have lost all of their baby teeth.
What if my child loses a tooth earlier than the age of 5 or 6, should I be concerned?
It’s best to notify your pediatric dentist, especially if the tooth loss is as a result of an accident, or due to cavity/decay. If your child’s baby teeth came in earlier than usual, they may also tend to fall out a bit earlier than average.
My child is 7 years old and still hasn’t lost a tooth….should I be concerned?
It’s not likely to cause concern if your child hasn’t lost a tooth by 7 or 8 years of age, however, it’s best to consult with your pediatric dentist to ensure there aren’t any underlying issues to be aware of. Generally, it’s considered acceptable and normal for children to loose their first teeth between the ages of 4 1/2 and 8 years old. (Source: www.everydayhealth.com)
Which baby teeth will fall out first, and in which order should they fall out?
Generally, baby teeth will fall out in the order in which they came in and most often that means the two front bottom teeth (incisors), followed by the two front top teeth, followed by the incisors, molars, canines and second molars. See the diagram of baby teeth below, courtesy of The Mayo Clinic.
The loss of a first tooth is a memorable experience for children, and it also offers an opportunity to reinforce positive dental habits including brushing, flossing, and eating healthy foods to encourage strong permanent teeth.
If you have questions or concerns, please feel welcome to contact our office.
