When Do Kids Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?
The loss of the first tooth is a significant milestone for children. It can be exciting and also a little frightening for some children. It can help to begin explaining what will happen as soon as the first loose tooth occurs in order to prepare your child for the loss of the tooth. Your dentist will also discuss tooth loss with your child during routine dental visits.
When should your child start losing their baby teeth? Here’s what you need to know about the natural tooth shedding process.
Average Age of the First Loose Tooth
Children may experience their first loose tooth or the loss of it anywhere between the ages of 4 and 7. The average age is about 5 or 6, meaning children may start to see their peers losing their first teeth in kindergarten or first grade.
Factors That Affect the Age of Tooth Loss
The biggest predicting factor of when a child will lose their first tooth is the age that their first tooth erupted. The earlier their first tooth comes in, the earlier they are likely to lose it. A child who had their first tooth before 6 months may lose a tooth before the age of 5. A child who had no visible teeth until 18 months or later may not lose a tooth until they are 6 or 7.
Which Teeth Are Shed First?
The first teeth that come in are the bottom front teeth for babies, and these are also the first teeth that become loose and fall out. The next two are the top front teeth, and then the next teeth in order moving toward the back of the mouth.
By What Age Are All the Baby Teeth Shed?
Most children will have lost all of their baby teeth by the age of 12 or 13 and have most of their permanent teeth in place. Shortly after this age the wisdom teeth begin to develop. The wisdom teeth may make their appearance between the ages of 17 and 25.
What Causes the Loss of Baby Teeth?
When the permanent teeth develop and become ready to erupt, they push against the roots of the baby teeth, causing them to wear away and dissolve. The tooth will gradually become loose due to the loss of root tissue and eventually fall out completely once it separates from the gum tissue.
What if a Baby Tooth Gets Knocked Out Prematurely?
In the case of a knocked out baby tooth that was not ready to be naturally shed, a space maintainer may be needed to hold the space open for the permanent tooth. A baby tooth that still has the roots attached was not ready to fall out on its own. If the permanent tooth is close to the surface it may be ready to come in soon, and a space maintainer may not be necessary.
Schedule a Dental Appointment
Preventive dental care appointments should take place every 6 months. This includes teeth cleanings to remove plaque and oral examinations to assess the health of the teeth and mouth. If it has been more than 6 months since your child has been to the dentist, it is time to schedule an appointment with Kids & Teens Dental Place.
Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Shedding
Should I save my child’s baby teeth?
Some parents save teeth for sentimental value. There are also medical reasons to preserve your child’s baby teeth. Teeth contain stem cells that could be helpful in treating future illnesses. In order to save the stem cells, teeth need to be preserved in a tooth bank, a professional storage facility that specializes in the preservation of teeth.
How much bleeding is normal with tooth loss?
When a child loses a tooth, even a baby tooth that was loose and ready to come out, some bleeding is normal. Apply pressure to the socket with some gauze until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding cannot be stopped, contact your dentist for assistance. For significant blood loss or if the child loses consciousness, call 911 or proceed to the nearest emergency department.