In the Know for You to Know

It seems like yesterday your baby got their first tooth. Now they’re coming to you saying “My tooth is loose.” Where did the time go?

This is an exciting time for you and your child as you embrace this new milestone.

Today we’re discussing this natural growth phase as your child begins to lose their baby teeth (aka primary teeth).

What Age Do Children Start To Lose Their Baby Teeth?

Generally children start losing their baby teeth (aka exfoliation) around 6 years of age.

However, the earlier baby teeth come into the mouth, the earlier they fall out. There are some children who may start losing their baby teeth as young as 4 years old.

It’s important to also keep in mind, the later baby teeth come in the later they fall out. So there are some children who may start losing baby teeth at 7 or 8 years of age.

How Many Teeth Do Children Lose?

When toddlers have all their baby teeth they’ll have 20 teeth, 10 teeth on the top and 10 teeth on the bottom.

As they grow, children will lose all 20 of their baby teeth.

Which Teeth Do Children Lose First?

Teeth fall out in the order they came in to the mouth.

Around the time a child turns 6 years old the first teeth they start to lose are their bottom front teeth (aka lower central incisors).

While the age varies with each child, there is generally a pattern in which baby teeth are lost~

Tooth	Age
Lower Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Central Incisors	6-7 years
Upper Lateral Incisors	7-8 years
Lower Central Incisors	7-8 years
Upper First Molars	9-11 years
Lower First Molars	9-11 years
Lower Canines	9-12 years
Upper Canines	10-12 years
Lower Second Molars	10-12 years
Upper Second Molars	10-12 years

What Are The Signs Of A Loose Tooth?

Sometimes a child doesn’t realize their tooth is loose, so they won’t be able to tell you.

If your child is about the age you were when you lost your first tooth or in the age range, go ahead and check for wiggly teeth. You may find none, 1, or 2.

So what are the tell-tale signs of loose teeth?

• Tooth movement or wiggling when eating, talking, touching the tooth, brushing teeth.
• Gaps between teeth – as teeth get loose they can move out of their original position. So if teeth were touching before when they become loose they can move and create spaces between teeth.
• Change in tooth position – in the same way loose teeth create spaces between teeth, as teeth get lose they can move to the left or the right of their original position and sometimes overlap the teeth next to them.

As A Parent, Is There Anything Special I Should Do?

Losing teeth is an exciting time for some children, but unsettling for others.

Children do well with guidance in new situations, and losing baby teeth is no exception.

When you know that a tooth is loose, it’s important to stay calm and explain to your child what is happening. They’re growing up. The feeling around their wiggly tooth is new and different and it will go away when their tooth comes out; which may mean a visit from the tooth fairy.

Also, keep in mind that while your child’s tooth is loose, it’s important to show them why you need to stay on your regular toothbrushing and flossing routine; even if they don’t want to.

Can I Wiggle Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

Some children love to wiggle their loose teeth anticipating an earlier visit from the tooth fairy. Other children may not like the feeling of their tooth moving in their gums and want to let the tooth come out on its own.

It’s all right if your child wiggles their loose tooth with their tongue or a clean finger, as long as their gums aren’t inflamed or causing pain.

What To Remember

The earlier baby teeth come in, the earlier they fall out

The most common time children lose their baby teeth is when their permanent tooth is ready to grow in and pushes out the baby tooth.

The first baby teeth that fall out are most often the bottom 2 front teeth, the lower central incisors. The next to fall out are the two top front teeth, the upper central incisors. Followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.

Embrace each time the tooth fairy makes a visit to your house. These special moments will be a memory in the blink of an eye.

How old was your child when they lost their first baby tooth? Did the tooth come out on its own? Did you need to wiggle their tooth out? Have you saved their teeth? Tell us, We’d really like to know! Email us at kidstoothhotline@proton.me Like Us and Chat with us on Facebook

More tips? We have lots. We’re here just for kids!