How to tell what’s normal and when it’s time to call the dentist

With ‘Tooth Fairy Day’ approaching on February 28th, we thought it might be beneficial to talk about the process of losing baby teeth. Whether it’s your first child or your third, knowing what is normal and what isn’t is highly important for their oral health.

In this blog, Alexandria Smiles will tell you the ins and outs of primary tooth loss so you know when to call the tooth fairy for a pick-up, or the dentist for an appointment.

When to be Concerned about Your Child’s Tooth Loss

Typically lasting anywhere around 6 or more years, the process of losing teeth often happens to children between the ages of 4-8 years old. With this in mind, the general rule of thumb is that the earlier teeth come in, the earlier they will fall out. While teeth usually fall out in the same order that they erupted, it should be noted that the sequence of tooth loss is more important than the age at which it occurs.

When a baby tooth is lost, the adult replacement should erupt within one to three months. If this does not occur, it may result in any number of issues such as:

• Spacing Problems. Should baby teeth fall out pre-maturely, space in the mouth can be lost and cause the crowding of underlying adult teeth. Similarly, if they fall out too late, it can force permanent teeth to grow in crooked.

  • If teeth fall out too early (before age 4), a spacer is often put in the location where the tooth fell out. This is done to preserve space for the adult tooth and prevent future crowding issues.

  • If teeth fall out too late (after age 8), an x-ray should be taken to evaluate the situation.
    

• Incorrect Number of Teeth. Baby teeth usually do not loosen until adult teeth push them out to take their place.

  • In the case of missing permanent teeth, this process does not occur. When the baby tooth eventually falls out, an implant may need to be considered.

  • When it comes to additional teeth, the natural eruption process may be blocked and should be evaluated by the dentist for further action.

‘Normal’ Tooth Loss Can Take Many Forms

To say ‘normal’ does not mean ‘identical’ and this is especially true when children begin sprouting their adult teeth. Many parents fear that what they see may not be considered ‘normal,’ but keep in mind that while something may look concerning, it does not always signify a problem.

• Sizes Will Vary. New adult teeth are supposed to look bigger than the tooth that they are replacing. This means that teeth may appear ‘too large’ at first—give it time!

• Don’t Expect White Teeth. As new adult teeth have not been used, they will often appear less white and have prominent ridges.

• Avoid the Temptation to ‘Yank.’ From the time a baby tooth appears to the time it falls out can range from a few weeks to a few months.

  Wiggling a loose tooth is normal as the movement from the tongue and fingers can help roots to let go—but be careful! While the draw for some quick cash may encourage children to pull teeth free, DO NOT YANK! If your child gives in to their desire at forcing a tooth out, it can break roots and leave spaces that are prone to infection.

• Expect Gum Irritation and Minimal Bleeding. When a tooth becomes extremely loose, you or your child may use clean hands or a piece of sterile gauze to help it out with a slight pulling motion. If the tooth does not come out right away, wait several days before trying again.

  When a tooth does fall out, there may be gum irritation and superficial bleeding. As long as blood stops within a couple minutes, this is normal. Little to no pain is expected, however, it is encouraged to have a soft diet for the remainder of the day and avoid chewing directly on the socket for an additional day or two.

Remember that Every Child is Different

For most children, there is a basic pattern in which baby teeth are lost. Beginning with the bottom two front teeth, the top two front teeth are often followed. After this, the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and finally, the second molars.

Of course, while these are averages, some children will lose certain teeth sooner or later than others. The primary focus should be on the order, not the age.

Throughout the process of losing teeth, it is important to be consistent with oral hygiene and follow through with regular dental appointments. By keeping appointments, we can ensure that your child’s permanent teeth are properly emerging for a perfect smile.

To schedule your next appointment, click here.

To contact us, click here as we are more than happy to answer your questions!

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