As a parent, you might be wondering when the Tooth Fairy will pay her first visit to your child. You may also be curious about how to handle the pain and bleeding that can accompany the loss of teeth.
The First Adult Teeth
Before actually losing any teeth, your child will gain two. You may have heard of the six-year molars. These are the first adult (permanent) teeth your child will get. They grow in behind the baby teeth at the back of the mouth when the child is between six and seven years old.
Most children can also expect to lose their first tooth around the age of six. If your child got their baby teeth early, they will likely get their adult teeth a little early, but not generally before the age of six. Conversely, if your child’s baby teeth came in a little late, their adult teeth will likely come in a bit later too.
Baby teeth fall out in roughly the same order they came in. The two front teeth (central incisors) at the bottom fall out first, followed by the central incisors at the top. After that, they fall out in order from front to back, starting at the bottom and then the top. The teeth next to the central incisors (lateral incisors) will fall out on the bottom first, followed by the top. Canines on the bottom are next, followed by canines on the top, and so on.
The final baby tooth usually falls out by the age of 12. However, that’s not the end of your child’s new teeth. The third molars, also known as wisdom teeth, arrive between the ages of seventeen and twenty-one. They are supposed to erupt like all other teeth, but, as many adults know, these teeth can remain impacted and may eventually need to be extracted.
What to Do When Teeth Are Loose
Some children may be bothered by the idea of losing teeth, by the pain, or by the sight of any blood that may come with loose teeth. As a parent, you can reassure your child that this is a normal process. If your child experiences any pain, consult your doctor or dentist about how to manage it. A cold compress may be all that is necessary. The idea of the Tooth Fairy can also comfort children. (It’s up to you to decide whether to use this little fairy tale and how much it will ultimately cost.)
You might have been told otherwise when you were young, but it’s okay for your child to wiggle a loose tooth. Neither you nor your child should try to pull a tooth that isn’t ready to be removed. When a tooth is left to fall out on its own, there is usually very little bleeding. Be aware that the adult teeth that grow in are often more yellow than the baby teeth they are replacing. This is normal, but if you are concerned, you can always consult a dental professional about it.
Once your child is between six and eight years old and has permanent molars, you may want to discuss dental sealants with your dentist. A sealant is a thin layer of plastic that is ‘painted’ on the chewing surface of the molars. The sealant prevents food from getting caught in the molar’s pits, which are more susceptible to decay than other surfaces. If the sealant remains intact, cavities will not develop on the surfaces of the molars and premolars (the teeth before the molars).
