An exciting rite of passage into maturity for a child is when she begins to lose her baby teeth and her adult teeth grow in. While children's teeth development follow a growth pattern, there is no specific schedule for a child's baby teeth to fall out.
The Order of Teeth Development
Baby teeth typically fall out in roughly the same pattern that they grow in. Generally speaking, the two front bottom teeth, or central incisors, come out first, followed by the top front two teeth. The next two bottom teeth, or lateral incisors, fall out, followed by the top. Then the bottom canines are replaced, as are the top. This pattern, bottom to top, is followed until all of the child's baby teeth are gone.
Your child can expect to lose his first tooth around the age of 6. He should lose all 20 baby teeth by or around the age of 12. However, there is no harm if your child's teeth are a year or so behind or ahead of schedule.
The Importance of Baby Teeth
Baby teeth are an important part of a child's development. Baby teeth are temporary and are significantly smaller than adult teeth. Baby teeth set the path for future adult teeth and promote normal development of the jaw bone, mouth and related muscles. Baby teeth act as space savers; adult teeth develop below the gum line and take over the spot where the previous baby tooth sat. "A baby tooth becomes loose when its roots begin to dissolve because the permanent tooth is pressing on it," Melissa McDonald from the University of Texas Health Science Center explains. "Generally, it takes a few months from the time a tooth becomes loose until it falls out."
What to Do With a Loose Tooth
Your child may be nervous with the discomfort or sight of blood from a loose tooth. Assure her that losing teeth is a normal process. Your child may wiggle her loose tooth, but it is not advised to try to pull out baby teeth that are not yet ready to come out. Be aware of chewy or hard foods that may cause discomfort to your child as she chews with loose teeth. Your child should not be eating chewy candies and gums, as they may cause the premature removal of baby teeth.
Proper Oral Care
Before and after your child loses his baby teeth, it is important to help him develop a good routine for oral hygiene. Your child should brush at least twice daily; offer help as needed. Brushing teeth removes leftover bits of food, sugar and plaque build-up. The American Dental Hygienists' Association recommends brushing after breakfast and before bed. Teach and help your child to floss daily. Flossing removes food pieces that a toothbrush cannot reach and helps build gum strength, which protects and supports your child's teeth. Avoid giving your child sugary snacks and drinks between meals, and especially before bedtime, as sweets increase the risk of cavitiy development. Schedule regular dentist appointments and teeth cleanings for your child; one visit every six months is ideal.
Normal Variation
Every child is different and may follow a slightly different growth pattern. Allow your child's baby teeth to follow a natural course of development. Baby teeth that are pulled or knocked out prematurely may cause adult teeth to grow in crooked. If you have these or other concerns regarding your child's teeth, inform your child's dentist.
