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Baby Teeth – When Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?
Posted on June 20th, 2023
All children eventually lose their baby teeth. Usually, this is a fun event in a child’s life and they’re excited to get a visit from the tooth fairy. If you’re asking, What age do baby teeth fall out? Continue reading to learn more about the shedding process.
When Do Kids Lose Their Teeth?
Many parents ask, When do kids lose teeth? Kids lose teeth when their adult teeth erupt, slowly pushing baby teeth out of tooth sockets.
When your child first loses a baby tooth, it’s important to remember that smile development doesn’t look the same on everyone. The first baby tooth could fall out earlier or later than you expect. It’s also important to schedule regular dental appointments so your dentist can keep an eye on emerging adult teeth as your child sheds their baby teeth.
When Do Kids Lose Their First Tooth – Average Age
What age do kids start losing teeth? The average age to lose a first tooth for most children is between 5-6 years old. However, sometimes the first tooth falls out earlier or later in life.
Within about 5 to 7 years, all baby teeth should be replaced with permanent teeth.
The later in life a child’s baby teeth emerge, the later in life they will lose their adult teeth.
Which Baby Teeth are Lost First?
Usually, kids lose baby teeth in the same order in which they erupted, starting with the top and bottom front teeth. Following these, your child will likely lose the rest of their baby teeth in order from front to back.
When Do Wisdom Teeth Emerge?
Wisdom teeth are the last permanent teeth to emerge and don’t erupt until between the ages of 17-26. Wisdom teeth are not preceded by primary teeth (baby teeth) that hold spaces for them before they come in.
How to Protect Your Child’s Smile as They Lose Baby Teeth
As your child loses their baby teeth, they may experience many emotions, from excitement to uncertainty. It’s important for you to help your child take good care of their teeth and gums as they shed baby teeth. This may mean helping them brush their teeth and floss around a loose tooth or gaps in their smile.
It’s also important to remind your child not to force the baby tooth to come out before it’s ready. It’s okay for your child to press against the tooth with their tongue or fingers, but they shouldn’t be yanking or tugging at the tooth. If a baby tooth comes out before it’s ready, the permanent tooth could emerge at an improper angle.
Windy City Family Dental for Pediatric Dentistry
If you’re concerned about your child’s dental development, or looking for a trusted pediatric dentist in Chicago who will provide excellent quality care, Windy City Family Dental is here for you. Contact us today to schedule an appointment and find out how we can help protect your child’s smile for years to come.
Call us today at (312) 236-8065 to schedule an appointment, or contact us online.