Children will start to lose teeth early. Knowing how to spot abnormalities is key to your child’s dental health.
Are you concerned your child is too young to start losing teeth? Or maybe they have a habit of grinding their jaws and you’re worried it’s causing premature tooth loss. Whatever your parental fears, keep your mind at ease by learning the usual age tooth loss occurs, what to expect when it starts happening, and how to handle a bothersome loose tooth.
Early Tooth Loss Is Okay!
Kids usually start to lose teeth between the ages of 5 and 7. However, if your child is an early bloomer, they may start to see a few wigglers as early as 4 years old. This is completely normal. If there has been no trauma, such as a fall or facial injury, losing teeth as a toddler is common. Permanent tooth growth usually starts in the front, bottom row of teeth, so if you see any loose stragglers that aren’t sitting sturdily upon the gum line, don’t fret. Those teeth are coming in fast for your little boy or girl!
Mom, Why Are My Teeth Falling Out?
Tooth loss in children is a direct result of permanent teeth moving up in the jaw. Primary tooth roots are a guide for the permanent tooth coming in beneath them. In other words, the bigger tooth is going to eat away at the root of the baby tooth until it is not longer encompassed by gums. The bottom row of teeth, including the central and lateral incisors and canines, will be the first to loosen and fall out. Likewise, the corresponding teeth in the front row will follow suit. If your child isn’t complaining of loose teeth by age 7, you need to make a dental appointment. Your trusted family dentist will perform an x-ray to determine if there’s extra bones in baby teeth that could be preventing permanent tooth growth.
We’ve Got A Wiggler!
Yanking a loose tooth should be avoided at all costs. Letting nature take its course, and waiting for the tooth to naturally fall loose is the healthiest option for your child. If it starts to really bother them, keep the area clean making sure to brush around the gum line often. In due time, the tooth will wiggle itself free and your role as the tooth fairy begins!
Catonsville Dental Care, We’re Great With Kids!
Regularly seeing your Catonsville Dental Care dentist will help to determine if your child’s dental routines need modifications. For more information on pediatric dental care as well as other preventative dental care services, call Catonsville Dental Care today! Call today at 410-747-1115, or submit any questions by visiting CatonsvilleDentalCare.com.
Don’t forget to check us out and review our practice on Google+!