Losing Baby Teeth: What Parents Can Expect

Let’s face it–they can’t stay young forever! You may think that your child is growing up too fast because around the age of five, they’ll be starting kindergarten, but they will also be ready to lose their baby teeth to make way for their adult teeth. This can be an exciting time for both parents and children, but it can also be unfamiliar territory the first time your child loses their tooth.

At Pediatric Dental Specialists in Omaha, Nebraska, our team is focused on children’s dentistry, and we are available to answer any questions or address any concerns you or your child might have when it comes time to lose that first tooth. Read on to learn more about what you can expect.

1. The Wiggle Stage

While children tend to lose their first tooth around the age of five, it can happen a little sooner or later, depending on the child. There is no correct time for a tooth to become loose; it depends on the child’s body and when their adult teeth are ready to come in.

The first sign your child’s adult teeth are ready to come in is when their baby teeth become loose and start to wiggle. This can be a surprise to your child, but assure them that it is okay and to be expected! When they feel their tooth start to wiggle, it is natural for your child to begin wiggling it with their tongue. This is okay and can help the tooth fall out faster; however, your child’s loose teeth should never be forcefully pulled or removed from their mouth. Removing a loose tooth before it is ready to fall out can cause your child pain.

A child’s tooth can be loose in the mouth for a few days, or it can take as long as a month before it is ready to fall out. If your child is feeling any discomfort during this time, an over-the-counter pain medication can be given to help ease any aches. Sometimes, your child’s baby teeth can get stuck in food and then be inadvertently swallowed. If this happens, assure your child that this is okay and natural, and it is nothing to worry about.

2. The Tooth Fairy Visit

Once your child has lost their first tooth, they will probably be looking forward to their first visit from the Tooth Fairy! This can be a magical time for your child, and they may be excited to receive a little something in exchange for their first lost tooth. Traditionally, the Tooth Fairy leaves a little token in the form of cash or a small gift under your child’s pillow in exchange for their tooth. However, this doesn’t have to be the norm. Maybe the Tooth Fairy picks up the tooth from a little envelope that is left on the counter.

This is a time where parents can become crafty in how the Tooth Fairy is perceived in their house. Whatever little tradition you choose, make sure your child understands that losing their baby teeth is part of growing up, and there is no reason to be scared when it happens.

3. Caring for New Permanent Teeth

Now that your child’s baby teeth are falling out to make room for their permanent, adult teeth, it is important for your child to maintain good oral hygiene habits. During this time, it’s ideal to reinforce good brushing and flossing habits, including brushing for at least two minutes twice a day and flossing once a day. 

If your child is not a fan of toothbrushing time, there are a number of things you can do to encourage your child to keep up with this healthy oral habit. Perhaps reading a book about a character who is experiencing the same thing will encourage your child to want to brush their teeth morning and night. Some children respond well to brushing along to songs or videos, while others can’t wait to put a sticker on a reward chart to demonstrate their great progress. 

Whatever works for your child and encourages them to stick with the habit is a great option.

This is also a time to make sure that your child is seeing the Pediatric Dental Specialists team at least twice a year for checkups and preventative dental care.

Pediatric Dental Specialists is here for you!

Watching your child grow is one of the most exciting things about having children, and losing their first tooth is a milestone both for them and for you. At Pediatric Dental Care in Omaha, Nebraska, our team is ready to help your child through all of their dental milestones. Pediatric dentistry is our passion, and we want to make sure your child is smiling through it all. If you or your child have any questions about losing their first tooth, reach out to us—no question is too silly or too hard to answer. Call us today to schedule an appointment!