22 Jan 2016 Children’s Dentistry – My Child Has Lost A Tooth
Most children, as well as their parents, look forward to the day when they lose their first tooth. While it is an exciting time, it can also be a scary experience for children who aren’t sure what to expect.
When your child is getting ready to lose their baby teeth, get all of your questions answered beforehand so you are ready for this important milestone.
What are Baby Teeth?
Your child has 20 teeth that will typically begin to fall out when they are between six and seven years old. These teeth, which grew in when they were infants, need to fall out in order for their permanent teeth to grow into place. Teeth typically fall out in the order that they came in; because most children normally receive their lower center incisors first, these are normally the first teeth to fall out. The remaining teeth will become loose and fall out until the child is 12 to 13 years old.
What Should I do When My Child is Ready to Lose a Tooth?
Because many children worry that they will experience pain or discomfort when a tooth becomes loose, reassure them that this is an exciting time and a sign of them growing up. When your child is losing a tooth, they will experience little to no pain.
A wiggly tooth becomes loose as the root that attaches the tooth to the mouth begins to disintegrate. When your child comes to you with a loose tooth, encourage them to wiggle it as much as possible in order to break up the root. Your child should not try to yank or pull their own tooth, however, because this can damage the root and cause an infection to occur. A tooth will fall out when it’s ready; pulling it prematurely will lead to pain and discomfort for your child. When the tooth falls out, your child may notice a small amount of blood. Have them swish gently with warm salt water to keep the area clean. They should gently brush their gums until the permanent tooth has fully grown into place.
What Happens When Teeth Fall Out Too Soon?
Some children lose their baby teeth due to injury or genetics earlier than usual. To keep a space for the permanent tooth to grow in, your child’s dentist can place a spacer in-between the teeth where the tooth was lost. This will keep the other teeth from growing into this space and leave room for the permanent tooth to grow into place. Once the permanent tooth begins to grow in, the dentist will remove the spacer.
What Should I do if My Child Loses a Permanent Tooth?
Due to sports, falls or trauma, your child may lose a permanent tooth. Retrieve the broken tooth, taking care to hold it by the crown instead of the root. Gently rinse it with water and keep it in a cup of cool water or milk. Call your child’s dentist right away to schedule care if your child losing tooth that is permanent. The tooth may be able to be reattached if the tooth is lost completely or a filling may be needed in case of a chipped tooth.
If you have any concerns with your child’s teeth, don’t hesitate to contact us for an appointment. We will address any concerns you have with your child’s teeth in order for their permanent teeth to grow in healthy and strong.