When your child’s teeth start to fall out, it can be an exciting time for them and a sign for parents that their children are growing up fast. While the sensation of a loose tooth will be new for kids, they can always look forward to putting it under their pillow and receiving a visit from the tooth fairy. While the occasion of a loose tooth can be fun for kids, there are some common hygiene questions that parents usually have when kids start to lose their first baby teeth. Let’s take a look at some of them below.
At what age should you expect a child’s teeth to fall out?
Baby teeth, also known as primary teeth, milk teeth or deciduous teeth, usually begin to fall out around the age of 6. Girls often lose their first tooth before boys, and the most common teeth to lose first for children are the bottom front two teeth (known as lower central incisors).
Your child’s teeth fall out because their permanent teeth are starting to naturally push them out. Losing a tooth in this manner is not a cause for alarm, however if your child loses their teeth from another cause, such as an unfortunate accident or poor hygiene, then a visit to the pediatric dentist is in order. This is because premature loss of a baby tooth can possibly cause infection or space issues for the permanent tooth that will be taking its place.
What should parents do when they notice a loose tooth?
The sensation of a loose tooth will be new for your child. While they may be inclined to avoid brushing the area because it feels odd, this not recommended as the area still needs cleaning. Even though that tooth is going to fall out, a lack of brushing can lead to gum inflammation or issues with the neighboring teeth that may not be getting the brushing they require.
Conversely, make sure your child is not brushing too rigorously in the area of their loose tooth, or the gap left behind once it has fallen out, as it can cause irritation of the gums.
It is fine if your child is wiggling their loose tooth. There is no need to have a loose tooth pulled out unless it is causing significant pain or discomfort. Baby teeth that are loose will eventually fall out on their own.
Once the tooth falls out, there may be some small bleeding and that is normal. Your child can simply rinse with water to keep the area clean.
What to do with the tooth once your child’s teeth fall out
Every family has their own traditions when it comes to baby teeth that have fallen out. If a visit from the tooth fairy is tradition in your family, you may find your biggest decision involves how much money to leave under the pillow for your child. This can make it fun for your child and also can help to mark the occasion of your child growing up and getting their permanent teeth that will get plenty of use in the years to come.
