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At what Age do Baby Teeth Normally Fall Out?

Also known as deciduous or primary teeth, these are the first set of teeth in the human development and that of other diphyodont mammals. In most cases, they develop in the embryonic stage but become visible during infancy. Each baby tooth normally appears at a specific time. For example, the first upper central incisor erupts between 8 and 12 months while the lower first molar erupts when an infant is between 14 and 18 months.

Baby teeth are functional for years, and a child can be able to chew just about anything. They, however, start to fall out when the permanent teeth are ready to sprout. Just like each baby tooth appears at its own time, the falling out is also systematic and gradual. The last one usually falls out when a child is between ten and twelve years. The timeline for sprouting and shedding can, however, be different for some kids.

When do Baby Teeth Fall Out?

The average age when a baby tooth starts becoming loose is five or six years. Some children begin shedding theirs as early as four years while others start late at seven years. It is quite normal, so no parent should be alarmed. If you need further affirmation of this, you can visit the nearest orthodontist. They can clarify the matter and make you feel at ease with your child’s teeth shedding situation. You can tell your child’s tooth is loose when you notice them touching it quite a lot. A kid is more likely to tell their parent as soon as they realize they have a wiggly tooth.

The first tooth to fall out, which is normally the first one to also appear, is the lower central incisor. This happens when a child is around six or seven years. It is closely followed by the upper central incisor. These two incisors can start getting loose at the same time. Your child will be tempted to touch them all the time, so it is essential to encourage them to wash their hands before doing so. Touching teeth with dirty hands can promote the spread of bacteria in the mouth and even cause infections.

The lateral incisors; both upper and lower, are usually the next teeth to fall out. These too can loosen at the same time, or one will do so slightly earlier than the other one. It usually happens between seven and eight yrs. Observe your child and know the right time to take them to a specialist like an orthodontist for removal.

The next fall out are the first molars. These might make it hard for your child to eat, so put them on foods that are easy to chew. Also, discourage them from trying to yank them out themselves as a broken tooth might result in more problems. If it, however, happens, make sure you take them to a specialist.

Second molars are usually the last ones to fall out just like they are the last ones to erupt. They too can make it painful for your child to eat, so make sure whatever they consume is soft enough. Observe the degree of looseness and when you are sure they are ready to be pulled out, take them to an orthodontist. If you do not know when the right time is, you can still take them to the specialist as soon as they become wiggly to get an estimated time of when the orthodontist can remove them.

Preparation for Baby Teeth Falling Out

• Avoid giving your child drinks that are too cold or too hot. Their loose teeth are sensitive at this particular point, so drinks that are at extreme temperatures may cause irritation or pain.
• Remind your child not to yank out any loose teeth. Explain to them that doing so will result in the broken root being more vulnerable to infection, thus causing pain. Once they understand, they will be more careful when touching the wiggly tooth.
• Start giving your child soft foods as soon as you realize they have a wobbly tooth. They may find it hard to chew hard food, and if they try too hard, the wiggly tooth may be yanked out.
• If your child gets to about eight years without any teeth falling out, take them to an orthodontist just to ensure all is well. X-rays will be used to assess such as situation.
• If a loose tooth fails to come out, take your child to a specialist who will pull it out using specific tools.

How to Pull Out a Tooth

If you are going to pull out your kid’s baby tooth without the help of a specialist, follow these steps:

• Wash your hands with soap and rinse them well
• Wiggle the loose tooth back and forth to make sure it is ready to come out
• If it is ready, twist it slightly, and it will come out
• Examine the gums to ensure no tooth remains are stuck in the area
• If you notice any redness the following day or your child complains of pain, book an appointment with your orthodontist immediately

Conclusion

Do not ignore a loose tooth and also encourage your child to always speak up whenever they realize one is wobbly. If you notice your kid is scared about their teeth being pulled out, you will have to regularly check them until all of them are pulled out at the right time. Failure to remove wiggly baby teeth will result in the permanent teeth being crooked, a problem that your child may have to deal with even when they are adults.

Fix Your Smile Today

Contact Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics today to set up your consultation. There’s no reason to put off a visit to our helpful team of professionals. It is our goal to help you make the most of your smile.

Dr. Jasmine Gorton

Dr. Bill Schmohl

When your teeth are aligned properly and your jaw is flowing smoothly, you will find more reasons to flash those pearly whites every day. Let Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics be your partner in good oral hygiene.

Gorton & Schmohl Orthodontics
900 Larkspur Landing Circle, Suite 200, Larkspur, California 94939 415-459-8006