The early years of a child’s life are some of the sweetest times, especially as you consider their changing smile. What starts as a soft, gummy grin quickly morphs into an adorable smirk that showcases only a few budding teeth. Before you know it, more of those pearly whites will appear only to soon fall out and leave you with a (temporarily) toothless child. As you await these times, you may wonder when you can expect it all to happen. Hear from two pediatric dentists who can offer details as to when your child’s tooth eruption will likely begin and when you will say goodbye to their baby teeth.
Eruption & Loss: The Facts About Baby Teeth
Before you become concerned about your child’s teeth (or lack thereof), it’s important to remember that each case is different. Some may see their teeth erupt much sooner than others, and that is okay, as long as their pediatric dentist does not seem to be concerned about the timeline.
On average, it is not uncommon for teeth to start erupting around the age of six months. This will typically include the lower front two teeth. Those that follow are likely to be the upper front four teeth.
By the time your child reaches the age of 6 or 7, they should have all of their primary teeth; however, this reality can be achieved much earlier, as some see a full set by the time they reach the age of 3.
While you may enjoy the look of your child’s smile, it will not last long, as they’ll likely begin to start losing them between the ages of 6 and 13. There is no definite age as to when that first tooth will become loose, but you can expect their grade school pictures to be some of your favorites with each tooth they lose.
Ways to Keep Their Baby Teeth Healthy
Many parents assume that just because these primary teeth fall out, they do not need proper maintenance. This is untrue and can be detrimental to a child’s oral health.
Instead, it is imperative that you help your little one take proper care of their teeth and gums during these early years. This means adopting regular oral hygiene routines in the morning and at night so that they understand the importance of clearing away bad bacteria.
Brushing twice daily for two full minutes can easily be achieved using a timer or creating a fun game that lasts the duration of a thorough brushing. You’ll also want to make sure they are flossing between teeth that touch.
Keeping an eye on their diet to help them avoid lots of sugar and starch is important as well, as cavities can form early on, putting their future smile at risk.
No matter when your child’s teeth erupt and fall out, you can expect that by partnering with their pediatric dentist, their smiles will be on the right track as they transition into each new phase of life.
About the Authors
At Sprout Dentistry for Kids in Allen, Dr. Justin Chan and Dr. Sage Yoo are board-certified pediatric dentists. Working alongside parents to establish good oral hygiene habits from the start can ensure that a child’s baby teeth remain healthy and in place until it is time for them to fall out on their own. If you would like greater clarification regarding your child’s tooth eruption and tooth loss, visit our website or call (469) 663-0098.