Many parents wonder when their child will start losing their 20 baby teeth that took so long to come in! This is a very big milestone in a child’s life, and there are a few things every parent should know when it comes to their child losing their teeth. Dr. Elizabeth Ralstrom tells us, “that children usually start losing their baby teeth at around 5 to 6 years of age and continue losing teeth all the way up to age 12 or 13.” Some kids might be as old as 7 before they start to lose teeth. This is generally ok, but you may want to consult your dentist if your child is younger than 5 or older than 7 to assess the situation to make sure there isn’t a reason for the unusual timing.
Loose teeth are usually not painful, and children should be encouraged to wiggle a loose tooth so they don’t linger and capture plaque underneath them. However, children should not yank on a tooth that is not ready to come out. This could lead to infection or space loss for the tooth underneath if it is not ready to enter the mouth yet. If a child of age 5 or 6 complains of pain in the back of the mouth, this may be due to their 6-year molars coming in. Ibuprofen or Tylenol in appropriate doses based upon your child’s weight may be given for this kind of discomfort.
Perhaps the most exciting part is getting in those new, bigger permanent teeth! Permanent teeth can sometimes look less white than baby teeth. This is normal, since they haven’t been used for chewing yet and the thickness of enamel makes them look different and darker than the adjacent stark white baby teeth. Many parents are concerned that the adult teeth are “yellower” than the baby teeth but this is actually normal.
This is also the time when it is essential for children to take exceptionally good care of their teeth. Parent supervision is recommended until the parent feels that the child is old enough to complete the task thoroughly on his or her own (typically over the age of 7 or 8). Toothbrushes should be replaced every two to three months to reduce bacteria, and it is a good time to talk to your dentist about using fluoride toothpaste.
It is also a crucial time to make sure your child sees a dentist twice a year to keep those permanent teeth healthy! Prevention is so much easier and less expensive than management of dental problems that occur from neglecting to see the dentist regularly.
About Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan, the offices of Drs. Delaney, Plunkett, Ralstrom, Makowski, Thanasas, Ker, and Associates
Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontic Specialists of Michigan have specialized in pediatric dentistry and orthodontics since 1968. Our family-friendly office gives patients and families a more comfortable and consistent experience with dentistry from the very beginning. The pediatric dentists treat children from newborn to 18 years of age while our orthodontists provide care for both children and adults, including being an Invisalign preferred provider. The ability to treat all special needs patients reaches beyond our facility, which has treatment rooms available for children who require additional privacy. Valued hospital affiliations allow dental services to be performed at DMC Children’s Hospital and St. John’s Hospital Macomb when needed. Our specialists are also on staff at Henry Ford and Beaumont hospitals.
