A lost baby tooth is a sign that your little one is growing up, and it’s definitely something to be celebrated. But when can you expect it to happen? As a parent, it’s crucial for you to be aware of what normal dental development will look like for your child so that you can make sure that the process is going as planned. Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about baby teeth in Lockport: why they need to be replaced, in the first place, when they come in, and when they should fall out.
Why Do Baby Teeth Fall Out in the First Place?
Human beings are diphyodonts. That means we grow two sets of teeth as we age: the baby teeth (also known as primary teeth) and the permanent teeth. When your child is first born, their mouth won’t be big enough to accommodate for 32 fully sized permanent teeth. For this reason, the 20 baby teeth will preserve the space meant for the permanent teeth until they’re ready to come in. This way, your child is able to chew properly and develop their speaking skills while they’re waiting for the teeth that will serve them well for the rest of their lives.
When Do Baby Teeth First Erupt?
Most babies receive their first tooth around 6 months old. In most cases, the lower front teeth will erupt first, followed by the upper front teeth. It can take anywhere from 25 to 33 months for all of the baby teeth to erupt, which means your little one should have a full set by their third birthday.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
The exact timing is different for every child, but generally speaking, baby teeth should start coming out around the age of 6 – in other words, around the time your child is in kindergarten or 1st grade. Girls typically start losing their teeth a little sooner than boys. The front teeth in the upper and lower jaws are usually the first to go while the teeth towards the back of the mouth tend to last the longest. Your child should normally have lost all of their baby teeth around the age of 13.
What Should You Do If Baby Teeth Won’t Fall Out?
Sometimes baby teeth don’t come out when they should. If this happens, you should take your little one to their children’s dentist in Lockport right away. A thorough examination will help them determine the problem. Depending on the situation, the baby tooth might be gently extracted.
Losing baby teeth is a perfectly normal part of your child’s oral development, but it’s important to keep any eye on their little smiles so that you can act quickly if something goes wrong. Take the initiative in making sure that your little one’s permanent teeth are able to erupt healthy, straight, and strong.
About the Practice
At Grand Dental – Lockport, patients of all ages from every walk of life are welcome to pursue better, healthier smiles. Each one of our dentists is dedicated to continuing their education so that they can always provide the best possible care no matter the situation. We strive to make dental care as fun and comfortable as possible for children. If you have concerns about your little one’s baby teeth, schedule a consultation with us today by visiting our website or calling (815) 240-8803 .