Children begin to lose their teeth from about the time they’re in kindergarten to 2nd grade. Usually, this means they’ll be anywhere from 5 to 7 years old. This is a fun, exciting age and time both for your child and for you as the parent! If this is your first child, you may not know how to react when you begin to notice your child is about to lose their first tooth. You can rest assured that your family dentist in Peabody can help you. We have your child’s dental care covered, all you need to worry about is keeping the tooth fairy concept a secret! Here is some helpful information on what to do in different scenarios where you first child’s tooth may be loose or recently lost.
Understanding the Role of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are critical to your child’s health and development. They aid in learning to eat, chew, speak and, even smile. Infant teeth also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth that are growing under the gums. In the case that a baby tooth is lost prematurely, the permanent teeth can drift into the empty space and make it difficult for other adult teeth to find room when they come in. This can make teeth crooked or crowded.
Don’t Fear Wiggly Teeth
When you child notices their first loose tooth, it can be impossible to get them to leave it alone. You remember pushing on your loose tooth with your tongue when you were a kid—it’s addicting! But, it’s important as their parent to encourage them to leave it alone and let it fall out naturally. Letting your child’s mouth run its natural course will reduce bleeding and pain that can be associated with a lost tooth. The body is amazing. When a permanent tooth is ready to erupt, the roots of your child’s baby tooth will dissolve until it’s loose enough to fall out. No need for tying a string around it and slamming the door!
Helping Your Child’s Teeth Develop Healthily
Now that we’ve debunked the myth that baby teeth aren’t as important as permanent teeth, it’s important to know how to take care of them. Caring for your children’s teeth and gums properly sets them up for a lifetime of great dental health. While baby teeth do eventually fall out, they will have some of them for 10 to 12 years. Not only will this set them up successfully for the future, but kids need a healthy mouth to enjoy the first part of their life as well.
- Brush their teeth after twice a day for two minutes a day.
- Floss their teeth before bed each night to remove harmful dental decay and debris from their developing smiles.
- Watch for certain behaviors from your child like thumb sucking and tongue thrusting as this can cause spacing issues in their teeth.
- Take them to visit their Peabody dentist routinely for dental exams and professional cleanings.
Schedule Your Child’s Next Dental Appointment
Bringing your little one to visit the dentist while they’re young is a terrific way to prepare both them and yourself for when their first tooth becomes loose. If you haven’t made an appointment for your son or daughter in a while, contact our office.