How Children’s Teeth Erupt and Fall Out

As a parent, there’s a lot of different things you have to worry about when it comes to your child and the milestones they hit. You may be worried about their baby teeth, or you may not even realize that having your young child see a dentist can be a good idea. Here some basic information on what you can expect for your little one’s teeth eruptions and falling out.

Your child’s first 20 teeth usually are all in by the time they hit age 3. Eruptions happen quickly in some cases where one day, there’s no tooth, and the next day, there’s a tooth coming up. They typically come in the front bottom first and then the front top, before then moving on towards the back with the molars coming in last.

 

One of the most exciting milestones in your child’s life is the event of the first loose tooth and the visit of the tooth fairy. It can be so much fun, although some kids may have a scared reaction at first. Usually, a baby tooth will become loose once the permanent tooth is ready to erupt to take it’s place. Once the tooth falls out, the adult tooth will then take it’s place over time. This loosening of teeth usually will happen in the same order they came in.

The first loose tooth typically happens around the age of six, but in some children can be as early as three and as late as eight. If your child loses their first tooth before they turn four, it may be beneficial to see a dentist to ensure that there’s no underlying condition that has caused them to come out so early.

 

There are sometimes when a tooth gets loosened or knocked out before the permanent tooth has started erupting. If this occurs, it can be a good idea to have your child seen in the dental office as your dentist may choose to use a spacer to ensure that the teeth stay in alignment. There’s the possibility of spacing problems in the future if the space of the early lost tooth is left open as the teeth may shift.

If you have questions regarding your child’s teeth, Dr. Pinky Penalosa at Oasis Dental in Rancho Cucamonga, CA is here for you. Contact us today to set up an appointment to discuss your questions and concerns for your child.