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Losing Baby Teeth

The loss of your child's first tooth is an event to be celebrated. Your child will see it as a sign that they are becoming a big kid, and you will cherish the moment as an important milestone. Along with all of the celebration and Tooth Fairy plans, however, there are things that you need to know about healthy tooth loss. The following is a guide to tooth loss and the considerations that it brings.

• Most children loose their first baby tooth around the age of five or six. However, children as young as four can start to lose baby teeth and some kids do not start to lose their teeth until the age of seven.

• It usually takes about a month for a tooth to go from being loose to falling out on its own. Be patient and do not do anything to force the tooth unless it is extremely bothersome for your child.

• Most baby teeth will fall out on their own, most likely while your child is eating. It is, however, ok for your child to wiggle a tooth that is already loose in order to help it come out.

• Never force out a tooth that is loose. If a tooth cannot be pulled out gently, it is best to leave it in until it falls out naturally. Forcing a loose tooth to come out early may result in leaving part of the root behind. Left over roots can become infected and lead to other dental problems in the future.

• Do not worry if your child swallows a tooth. Most dentists agree that this will not harm your child. Your child will eventually pass the tooth since it cannot be broken down by their system. If your child is upset about not having the tooth for the Tooth Fairy, explain to him or her that the Tooth Fairy will come anyway.

• Do not worry if your child is six and still has no loose teeth. However, if your child is seven and still has all of his or her baby teeth, it is a good idea to schedule a visit to the dentist. This is usually not a problem, but the dentist needs to check your child's teeth to rule out any problems.

• Experiencing pain from loose teeth is not common, however, sometimes the loose edges of the teeth can cause your child some mouth pain. If your child is in pain it is ok to give them a dose of acetaminophen pr ibuprofen.

• Stress the importance of tooth brushing to your child. It is very important to maintain a healthy mouth even on the tooth that is loose. While the tooth will soon fall out and cavities are not a concern, food can get trapped in the loose edges and lead to infection or tooth decay on the neighboring teeth.

• Do not worry if a permanent tooth erupts behind a baby tooth. If this happens the new tooth will usually push the baby tooth out. If the baby tooth continues to stay in or does not become loose within a couple of months, it is best to consult your dentist. If left untreated, the baby tooth could take up space and cause the permanent teeth to grow in crooked.

• Once your child has his or her first permanent tooth, it is time to schedule a visit to the dentist. While most dentists will not clean your child's teeth until they have a few more permanent ones, they will discuss proper tooth care and brushing techniques with your child. Your dentist will also want to evaluate your child's teeth to prevent any future problems.




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