As a parent, seeing changes in your child as they grow can be an exciting and scary experience. Whether it be their first steps, their first word, or their baby teeth falling out. And for the first couple of years of your toddler’s life, the latter will be happening quite a lot as your child’s baby teeth prepare to be replaced with permanent ones.

For first-time moms and dads, seeing your child’s teeth start wiggling can be a nerve-wracking experience. In this article, we let you in on everything you need to know about your kids losing teeth, as well as the dos and don’ts of oral health and tooth development. 

When to Expect Your Child’s Baby Teeth to Fall Out 

Toddlers can start losing their baby teeth at the age of four and goes on until they turn 15. At this development period, baby teeth fall out in the same order as they came in. The two front teeth start being replaced first, followed by the canines, and so on until the molars (back teeth). 

While the age of four to 15 is the average period of tooth development, some kids may lose their baby teeth earlier or later. Girls have been shown to lose their baby teeth earlier and grow permanent teeth faster than boys do. However, if your child’s baby teeth haven’t loosened or fell out at the age of eight, it’s best to see your dentist. 

Aside from the natural course of growth and development, children can also lose their baby teeth from dental issues or accidents. Instances like these are referred to as premature loss. In case your child’s baby teeth did not fall out naturally, schedule an appointment with their dentist to make sure that there are no problems and to prevent future dental health issues.  

Should You Pull a Loose Tooth? 

A baby tooth doesn’t just fall out all of a sudden. The transition begins with the tooth loosening and wiggling, which you will usually start noticing when your toddler turns four. The loosening of baby teeth can cause the gums to sore and become irritated, so pulling it out can cause unnecessary trauma.

Instead of tying a string on your child’s tooth and pulling it out, allow it to fall naturally. If your child wiggles the tooth with their fingers or tongue, don’t worry as it’s encouraged to help the tooth further loosen. 

Talking to Your Child About Their Baby Teeth

Losing baby teeth can be a scary experience not just for you, but for your child as well. It’s important that you talk to them about it to assure them that it’s natural and is nothing to worry about. Make sure to inform them that their baby teeth will be replaced with permanent ones over time. 

Also, tell them about what to expect when their wiggling tooth naturally falls out. When it does, there will be a little bit of bleeding. Reassure them that it’s nothing to worry about and instruct them to blot the blood off with a tissue or visit their school nurse. 

What Happens After Baby Teeth Fall Out? 

Baby teeth falling out is a sign that your child’s permanent teeth are ready to grow, but this might take some time. Permanent teeth typically start erupting at age six to seven, with the front molars coming out first and working their way back. 

As early as when your child begins forming their set of baby teeth, you should educate them on proper dental hygiene. Daily brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash become significantly more crucial when permanent teeth erupt — after all, that’s the last they get!