As a parent, you’ll see your little one’s smile go through quite the transformation over the years. From their first gummy smile to their senior portraits, you’ll be there to witness their journey every step of the way. By knowing what to expect, you can help keep their oral health in optimal condition for as long as possible. That said, here’s a guide on when you can expect your child’s baby teeth to erupt and fall out.
Why Children Lose Their Teeth
First and foremost, it’s essential to understand why children lose their teeth. The answer is quite simple – it’s because everyone’s teeth have to fall out eventually! At birth, everyone has all of their baby and adult teeth, even though you can’t see them. Once the adult teeth begin to grow, the baby teeth become looser and their roots start dissolving. Eventually, the primary teeth will fall out, giving the permanent teeth room to erupt. When your child starts losing their pearly whites, make sure you communicate to them that it’s a perfectly normal and healthy part of growing up.
When Do Baby Teeth Come In?
Although the eruption times can vary from child to child, most babies will begin to have teeth break through their gums at about six months of age. Typically, the first two teeth to erupt are the two bottom front teeth (two bottom central incisors). After that, the four front teeth emerge. Then, the other teeth slowly begin to fill in until your child is two to three years old.
When Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
Most parents notice their child’s baby teeth fall out right around the time they start going to school full time. That means it’s pretty standard for children in kindergarten and first grade to walk around with gaps in their smiles. However, every child is different which means their teeth may fall out sooner or later compared to someone their age.
In most cases, baby teeth fall out in the same order they came in. Since the two bottom front teeth and two top front teeth are usually the first to erupt, they’re the ones to fall out first as well. Of course, the order in which they fall out can vary as every child is different. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to talk to your dentist.
Tips to Keep Your Baby’s Smile Healthy
It’s incredibly important to instill good oral care habits at an early age. To keep their smile in optimal condition, make sure your child does the following:
- Brush their teeth twice a day
- Floss at least once a day
- Use fluoride toothpaste
- Visits their dentist every six months
Now that you know what to expect when it comes to your child’s dental health, you can do what it takes to keep their smile beautiful and healthy for years to come!
About the Author
Dr. Homer Sedighi is a Board-Certified Pediatric Dentist that has always gone the extra mile to help growing patients achieve and maintain their absolute best smiles. After earning his dental doctorate at the Washington University School of Dental Medicine, he completed a 2-year residency in pediatric dentistry at the University of Rochester. If you have any questions about your child’s baby teeth erupting or falling out, Dr. Sedighi and his team are more than happy to answer your questions. You can reach him via his website or call (636) 777-7777.