As a child, the first experience of losing a tooth can be both nerve-wracking and exciting. The wobbly tooth that bleeds and falls out can often be associated with feeling pain but the thought of a visit from the tooth fairy can be very exciting. Parents can also become curious and unsure of when they should expect their child to lose their first tooth, especially new parents. Here are some facts and questions which are asked quite frequently by parents at Bamboo Dental.

When should I expect my child to have all of their baby teeth?

When your child reaches the age of 3 they should have all 20 baby teeth. They will usually fall out in the order in which they came in. This means that the lower centre teeth are usually the first to fall out.

At what age should my child lose their first tooth?

This should happen when your child reaches the ages of 5 or 6 years. Although, it’s not uncommon for some children to lose their first tooth as early as 4 or as late as 7 years. Generally, the younger the child was when the teeth came in, the earlier they will fall out.

What should I do if my child loses their teeth before the age of 4 years?

If your child begins to experience tooth loss before he or she reaches the age of 4 years then you should take them to a dentist immediately to check that they don’t have a disease.

What if my child hasn’t lost any teeth by the time they reach the age of 7 years?

It’s also possible for a child to reach 7 or 8 years without losing any baby teeth. In such cases, there is probably nothing wrong. But it is a good idea to consult a dentist for X-rays to assess the situation. Although it is fine to encourage your children to gently wobble their loose tooth, make sure that your child doesn’t yank out their milk teeth before they are ready. This can break the root and make it more vulnerable to infection.

Teeth brushing is very important. You will probably need to supervise the process until your child is around 8 years old. Until this time they will not need to use more than a pencil-eraser-sized dot of toothpaste. Most children will lose the last of their baby teeth around the ages of 12 and 13 years. As soon as those adult teeth arrive, it becomes even more important to make sure that your child brushes and flosses correctly, twice a day. Remember to replace toothbrushes or toothbrush heads every two or three months to reduce harmful bacteria and keep those bristles working well.

Also, make sure your child sees a dentist twice a year. If you need any advice or are concerned about your child losing their teeth call 029 2056 9769. What age did you or your child loose their first tooth? We would love to hear your stories on our facebook page.