Are you ready for the Tooth Fairy yet? It probably felt like only yesterday that your child was just a baby and you were soothing their sore gums from their erupting baby teeth. And now, it’s time to get ready to do it all over again. However, this time’s a little different, as it’s not just a thrilling time for you, but also for your child as they finally get their “adult” teeth and look forward to a visit from the Tooth Fairy. Here are some basics you should know to be fully prepared for when your child starts losing their baby teeth.
When can you expect the changes?
Normally your child gets all their primary teeth between the ages of 2 to 3 years. It’s not usually until after the age of 4 that you will begin to see spaces form between the primary teeth as they get ready for the permanent teeth to grow. So don’t fret – this is normal, as their jaw is just getting ready for their adult teeth.
How do they fall out?
Usually, the baby teeth fall out in the exact same order that they came in. So, the first two lower centre teeth will start to become loose, then followed by the top centre pair next.
When do the permanent teeth begin to erupt?
A baby tooth falls out once a permanent tooth below it starts to push up to take its place in the jaw. On average, you can start getting ready for the tooth fairy when your child reaches the ages of 6 to 7 years. However, some will lose their first tooth as early as 4 years of age.
Will there be a pain in the teeth coming out?
There will be some pain that comes with losing teeth, but it all depends on how it comes out. Instead of letting them yank on it, encourage your child to start to gently wiggle it back and forth to get it loose and to reduce the amount of pain they will experience.
What happens if it refuses to come out?
If your child has a stubborn tooth, it’s best to leave it alone and have it pulled out by your dentist. The movies that show people using plyers and tying string to a doorknob are tactics that can result in a broken root that can be susceptible to infection.
What’s different about the new teeth?
First of all, the permanent teeth will be much bigger, and for this reason, there may be some pain as they come in. You may also notice that the adult teeth are less white than the baby teeth and the enamel is more blueish – this is perfectly normal. There will also be more teeth than before. Typically, your child will form 32 permanent teeth and lose their 20 primary teeth. The new teeth are also more robust and come with longer and stronger roots, lasting over their lifetime with proper dental care.
It’s an exciting time for both you and your child as their permanent “adult” teeth finally grow in. This should also be the time when you begin to teach your child about taking proper dental care of their new teeth – brushing, flossing, and regular dental visits. When the time comes, talk to us at Rockcliffe Dental, we can answer all your questions and start your child off on the right foot.
- Learn more about pediatric dentistry in Ottawa
- Learn more about general dentistry in Ottawa