What to Expect When Your Children Start Losing Teeth

Losing baby teeth can be an exciting time for kids! It is a rite of passage of sorts, but they also get a visit from the Tooth Fairy! Many parents wonder what to expect when their children start to lose their teeth. Most kids will lose teeth without issues, but there are a few things to be aware of to recognize a potential problem.

Baby Teeth 

Your child will begin to lose his or her baby teeth between the ages of 5-7 and will continue losing teeth until the age of 12 or 13. That said, it’s normal for some kids to start losing teeth as early as four or as late as eight years of age.

Removing a Loose Tooth 

Never force or pull a tooth out of your child’s mouth. Allow the tooth to fall out naturally because pulling loose teeth can cause injuries to the gum and increase the likelihood of an infection. If the loose tooth is stuck on a single small piece of gum tissue, you can use a square of clean gauze to remove it gently.

When to Seek Help 

There are rarely complications with baby teeth falling out. The most common issue is infection. Make sure your child is brushing and flossing as usual and rinsing with water after meals. Also, if an adult tooth is coming through and your child’s baby tooth doesn’t fall out within a few months, it may need to be removed. If your child experiences extreme pain, swelling, or signs of infection, please contact our office immediately.

For more information on this exciting time in your child’s life, or to make an appointment at Little Rockies Pediatric Dentistry, please contact our Parker, Colorado children’s dental office today!