A child’s baby teeth represent an important step in the development of their oral and overall health, so many parents fret over when they might emerge and fall out. While children can be expected to have their baby teeth come in and fall out at some point, the timetable involved is different for every child. Here’s what you should know about when baby teeth emerge and depart as well as some tips for keeping your child’s baby teeth healthy.
What Is the Lifespan of Baby Teeth?
The emergence and loss of a set of primary teeth, also called baby teeth, is a normal part of growing up. Everyone has their baby and adult teeth at birth, and these teeth will continue to grow and develop until they are ready to emerge. The baby teeth will begin to erupt around six months of age. As an adult tooth becomes ready to erupt, the roots of the baby tooth will begin to dissolve. The tooth will become looser over several months and will eventually fall out. It’s a great idea to communicate this process to your child so they can know what to expect as their teeth start to fall out.
When Can I Expect My Child’s Baby Teeth to Fall Out?
Baby teeth are usually lost in roughly the same order as they come in, with the front teeth usually being the first to go. While each child is different, the process of primary tooth loss usually lasts between the ages of six and thirteen, and girls usually lose their teeth sooner. It is no cause for alarm if your child starts shedding teeth a little earlier or later than their peers.
How Can I Keep My Child’s Baby Teeth Healthy?
Even though baby teeth will eventually fall out, they help to make space for and guide the emergence of the adult teeth. The best thing you can do to keep your child’s teeth healthy is to teach them proper oral hygiene early on. This includes brushing twice with fluoride toothpaste every day, daily flossings, and seeing their dentist twice a year. One of the best things you can do to teach your child excellent oral care is to model it yourself.
About the Author
Dr. Meghan Thorburn earned her dental doctorate at the University of Texas at Houston and has served as a dentist for almost a decade and a pediatric dentist for more than five years. She is proud to be a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Her office in Fort Worth, TX offers general, restorative, and emergency dentistry for children. For more information on what to expect from your child’s baby teeth, contact her office online or dial (682) 327-1133.