Nothing is more precious than your little one’s smile. Their baby teeth serve an important role in their development, despite only being in place for a few years. Your child’s first visit from the Tooth Fairy is a rite of passage as their primary teeth are replaced with their permanent set. However, when can you expect their first loose tooth? Every child is different, but here’s the average timeline for losing baby teeth.
Importance of Primary Teeth
Baby teeth allow your child to chew and speak clearly. They also act as placeholders for their permanent teeth. Losing a baby tooth too soon can have lasting consequences for their development and oral health.
When to Expect the Tooth Fairy
Most children experience their first loose tooth in kindergarten or first grade, but every child is different. Girls tend to lose their teeth sooner than boys. Most baby teeth are lost in the order they erupted. Generally, here’s which teeth you can expect your child to lose depending on their age:
- 6-7 years old: Upper and lower central incisors.
- 7-8 years old: Upper and lower lateral incisors.
- 9-11 years old: Upper and lower first molars.
- 9-12 years olds: Lower canines.
- 10-12 years old: Upper canines. Upper and lower second molars.
How to Keep Baby Teeth Healthy
Cavities are the biggest threat to your little one’s dental health. Tooth decay is more common than childhood asthma. You can safeguard their smile and ensure their baby teeth stay healthy by following a few tips:
- Good Oral Hygiene: Good oral hygiene from a young age is proven to support a lifelong commitment to dental health. Your child should brush their teeth twice a day for at least 2 minutes using a soft-bristled toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Once their adult teeth begin to erupt, the spaces between their teeth will move closer together, which means it’s time to introduce daily flossing.
- Limit Sugary Foods and Drinks: Reduce sugary foods and drinks, which contribute to tooth decay. Instead, encourage plenty of water and fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Fluoride: Fluoride is a natural solution to strengthen enamel to make it more resistant to decay. Besides using fluoride dental products, their pediatric dentist can provide fluoride varnish to protect their teeth.
- Dental Sealants: Dental sealants are recommended for children to protect cavity-prone areas, like the molars.
- Cleanings and Checkups: By your little one’s first birthday, they should begin seeing their dentist every 6 months for a cleaning and checkup. Their pediatric dentist will monitor their developing smile to detect anything concerning while it is still small. Regular appointments can help them avoid needing dental work later.
If you have any concerns about your child’s baby or permanent teeth, don’t hesitate to contact their pediatric dentist. They’ll ensure your child is on track with their dental development.
About Dr. Isabel Biernacki
Dr. Biernacki earned her dental degree at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine School of Dentistry. She completed her pediatric dental training at New York University Langone Health and has earned certifications in Basic Life Support and Pediatric Advanced Life Support. She is a member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and the American Dental Association. Request an appointment through her website or contact Treehouse Pediatric Dentistry.