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Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Baby Tooth?

Parents often have questions about what to do when their child starts to lose their baby teeth. After all, it’s been a long time since you lost your own primary teeth! Dr. Laura is here to help not only her patients, but the caregivers of her patients, understand this exciting time in a kid’s life.

When Will My Child Start Losing Teeth?

The tooth-losing journey usually begins when your little one turns 5 or 6, but remember, every child is different. Some early bloomers might wave goodbye to their first tooth a little earlier, while others might hold on a bit longer. Embrace your child’s individual timeline and celebrate each new gap in their grin!

To Pull or Not to Pull?

Losing a tooth is mostly a hands-off experience, happening naturally without much intervention. While some children may find the sensation strange, reassure them that it's an entirely normal part of growing up. If a tooth is super wiggly, feel free to assist your child in gently easing it out. However, remember never to force it. If the tooth doesn’t come out easily, it’s not quite ready for its grand exit.

What to Expect

If your child experiences discomfort from a loose tooth, an ice pack or an over-the-counter pain reliever can help. After the tooth is out, there might be a small amount of bleeding. A rinse with water or biting down on gauze should do the trick to stop the bleeding. However, if the bleeding persists for longer than an hour, it's time to give us a call.

The Baby Teeth Countdown

Children have 20 adorable baby teeth, all destined to eventually fall out. The first to go are often the two front teeth - yes, just like the Christmas song! This trend continues until around the age of 12. As a general rule, baby teeth tend to fall out in the same order they came in. Here's a loose (pun intended) timeline for when you can expect your child to lose each tooth:

• Central incisors: 6-7 years
• Lateral incisors: 7-8 years
• Canines: 9-12 years
• First molars: 9-11 years
• Second molars: 10-12 years

But please remember, these are average ages, and your child’s timeline may differ.

Counting the Milestones Together

At Village Pediatric Dentistry, our team is committed to making your child’s journey of losing baby teeth a memorable and comfortable experience. Because at the end of the day, every lost tooth is a testament to your child's growth and development. So, let’s celebrate these milestones together, one tooth at a time!