All you need to know about baby teeth

In this week’s Q&A, Dr Colm Traynor from our Carlow practice answers some common questions about losing baby teeth and how best to protect the new permanent teeth that will shortly follow

Q: When do children lose their baby teeth?

A: A child’s baby teeth typically begin to loosen and fall out at about age six, allowing space for the permanent adult teeth to grow.

Q: Which is the first tooth to fall out?

A: Children usually lose teeth in the same order that they first appeared. Hence, the first baby teeth to fall out tend to be the two bottom front teeth and the two top front teeth.

Q: When will my child stop losing baby teeth?

A: Although timing varies from child to child, the process of losing baby teeth usually continues for a number of years until they lose the last tooth at around age 12 or 13.

Q: What if a baby tooth falls out too early?

A: Baby teeth generally stay in place until they are pushed out by permanent teeth. If a child loses a baby tooth early as a result of tooth decay or trauma, make sure to visit your dentist as there may be a risk of infection or damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

Q: How long does it take a wobbly tooth to fall out?

A:  Once you or your child notices that a tooth is loose, it can sometimes take a few days or even a few months to fall out. This depends on how quickly the tooth root resorbs.

Q: Should I help my child to loosen a wobbly tooth?

A: It is generally best not to pull a loose tooth, but rather to let nature take its course. Most children will wiggle a tooth themselves until it falls out of its own accord. This will minimise any pain and bleeding associated with losing the tooth.

Q: What happens after a tooth falls out?

A: When a tooth finally falls out, you can help minimise your child’s discomfort by following some simple steps:

• Remove the tooth with clean fingers or a moistened gauze
• Reduce any bleeding with pressure from tissue or gauze for a brief few minutes
• Encourage your child to gently rinse with warm water later that day
• Brush the area gently for a day or two, to avoid irritation
• Contact your dentist if you have any concerns, or if any portion of the baby tooth remains in the socket

Q: How can I help my child to look after the new adult teeth?  

A: Your child’s new permanent teeth will need to last them a lifetime, so establishing a thorough dental care routine from the outset is key.

• Remind your child to brush at least twice a day for two minutes
• Use a fluoride toothpaste to help keep their teeth strong and prevent dental decay
• Help your child floss his or her teeth daily to remove plaque
• Ensure a healthy diet and limit frequency of snacks, especially those high in sugar
• Encourage your child to drink plenty of water to help dilute any acid attacks
• Schedule regular dental visits for your child, to monitor permanent teeth eruption

For more tips and advice on looking after your family’s oral health, visit dentalcareireland.ie