A child losing teeth seems to be celebrated, but for many children, it can be a scary time. They are dealing with the uncertainty and pain of something in their body changing, and it’s no wonder that many of them don’t like that one bit! There might be some physical discomfort as the larger adult tooth pushes through the gum and forces the smaller tooth out. By telling your child that this is a rite of passage and making them feel excited about the change, you can help them cope with the loss of their teeth. You can read this piece which will tell you when children’s baby teeth fall out and how to deal with children’s loose teeth.

When Does Child Losing Teeth Begin?

A good rule of thumb is that your child will lose his or her teeth in the same order in which they came in. For most kids, it means that the front teeth will go first, followed by those around it, then the molars will be last to go. Here’s more:

Ages	Descriptions
Six to seven	This is when the first teeth are lost, typically the front incisors. It usually starts with the lower ones and then moves to the upper ones. This may bring about some difficulty with eating, as the incisors are the teeth that cut into food first. You can cut food into bite-size pieces to make it easier for children to chew. Also keep in mind that when they lose their incisors, they might have a lisp for a little while–most parents find it cute.
Seven to eight	The teeth next to the incisors are called the lateral incisors, and they are the next to go. This means that your child’s issues with eating are still there, and they will need food cut up into bite-size pieces.
Nine to twelve	Now the larger teeth are falling out. Fortunately, the incisors have likely grown in, so chewing isn’t that difficult. However, very chewy foods might now get stuck between the teeth where the old baby teeth used to be. Make sure your child brushes and flosses frequently.
Ten to twelve	The remaining baby teeth will now fall out, which means that your child might have some trouble with chewing on one side or the other for a while. But these teeth aren’t nearly as troublesome as the others were!
Not a baby anymore	By the age of 13, your child should have all his or her adult teeth. Between the ages of 17 and 21, the wisdom teeth erupt. Make sure your child has great oral hygiene and is taking care of those adult teeth, as they are the only ones they will ever have.

How to Deal With Children’s Loose Teeth

Is your child losing teeth? You can make the transition easier by encouraging your child to continue with good oral hygiene, even if the teeth are loose. Your child should also not be afraid to move the tooth around, pushing it back and forth with their tongue in order to help loosen it even more. If the tooth is loose enough to pull, let your child do it on their own–they can better gauge the discomfort and decide if they want to stop pulling at the tooth. If they do pull it, expect a tiny bit of blood–you can stop it by applying pressure on the area with a damp cloth.

How Can You Take Care of a Child Losing Teeth?

1. Visit a Dentist

You can prepare your child for the prospect of losing their teeth by taking them to the dentist for their first checkup. The dentist can look at the teeth, predict when they will come out and tell the child what to expect.

2. Prepare Your Children for Any Bleeding

When the teeth become lose, remind your child that there might be some bleeding, but that it is nothing to worry about–it’s a natural thing that will soon go away. This often helps a child get over the fear of losing teeth.

3. Comfort Your Children

Finally, when your child does lose teeth, it’s time for congratulations! Some parents choose to offer the “tooth fairy” myth to their child in the hopes of making the loss of teeth an exciting time rather than a fearful one. Whatever route you choose, make a big deal of it!

More Tips on Child Losing Teeth

1. Do Not Worry When Kids Unexpectedly Lose Teeth

A child tends to lose teeth between the ages of four and eight. Typically, those who got their teeth early will also lose them earlier than their peers will. It takes only a few months from a tooth that is first becoming loose to the moment when it falls out. Sometimes a tooth will fall out when a kid doesn’t expect it, such as when they are eating or drinking. If this happens, there is no cause for alarm.

2. The New Teeth Look Darker and Bigger Than Baby Teeth

When the new teeth start to come in, they will be a bit darker than those white baby teeth were. This is simply because adult teeth look that way–not because there is anything wrong. The new teeth will also have sharp ridges, as they have not yet been worn down by the action of chewing food. The teeth might seem too big for your child’s face, but no worries–the little one will grow into those big chompers!

3. See a Dentist If the Following Cases Happen

• One issue might be what dentists call “shark teeth”. This is when the adult teeth come in behind the baby teeth, pushing them forward and giving the appearance of a shark. This typically lasts only for a few months, but if it seems to persist or is uncomfortable, talk to a dentist about it.
• If your child’s gums appear swollen or red and your child complains that they are painful, there are a few things you can try. Over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help, as can topical analgesics that ease the pain. If the pain is severe, speak to the dentist about what might be going on with your child’s teeth.

To learn more about dental health tips for child losing teeth, watch the video below: