Every child goes through that age where they either eagerly await their first tooth getting loose. They may even dread it and are afraid of their tooth falling out and losing it somewhere. As a parent, feeling some concern when your child is upset about their loose tooth is only natural. Remember, remain calm, and be supportive and encouraging to your child about the new tooth coming in soon. This will help ease your child’s fears and help them deal with having a loose tooth with less anxiety. Yes, it can feel a bit overwhelming at times. However, we hope you find some relief reviewing some common questions parents ask about kids’ teeth and when they become loose.
What Age Do Kids Start Losing Teeth?
For most kids, teeth start to become loose around their 5th birthday or as late as their 8th birthday. Their loose tooth starts to feel a bit wiggly and they are tempted to play with the tooth. It is perfectly natural for them to pull on it, wiggle it around with their tongue and push on it. Playing with their tooth can help make the process of the tooth falling out a bit easier.
This then begins the spiral of losing a tooth roughly every year up until age 10-12. Some years they will lose several teeth. Meanwhile, other years they may lose none. This process is easy to recognize as the baby teeth tend to fall out in a similar fashion as to when they first came in. The earlier a tooth comes in during a child’s life, the earlier that same baby tooth tends to fall out.
Every Child’s Experience With Losing a Tooth Is Different
Each child’s experience losing a tooth is different and very personal. Be mindful to stay calm as the parent when the child starts to have loose teeth. Children can reflect the emotions of their parents. If you stay calm, then your child should remain calm as well. This can be a better overall journey into growing up and losing teeth.
Should I Pull Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?
It is best to only attempt to help pull out your child’s tooth when the tooth is already very loose. Only place light tugging or pressure on the tooth to attempt to remove it. It is not recommended to tug too hard. This may put your child at a risk for pain, bleeding and possibly developing an infection.
After the tooth falls out, if there is some bleeding, you can use a piece of gauze for a few minutes to stop the bleeding. Most children feel just fine after they lose a tooth. They may even be too excited about it to notice any minor pain. If they do experience any mild pain, they may only feel like eating simple foods. Find soft foods like bananas, applesauce or bread that are easier to eat until after the gum heals a bit. It usually is healed enough by the next day. Also, make sure that your child keeps their teeth and gums clean after they lose their tooth to prevent infection.
Interested in Learning More About Kids’ Teeth?
Do you have questions regarding our Pediatric dentistry services? We’ve got you covered with more information and helpful tips on how to care for your kids’ teeth. Contact Smile First Pediatric Dentistry to make an appointment today at 631-563-7462 . You can also request an appointment here. Let us assist in making your child’s journey in properly caring for their teeth a pleasant one.