It’s a rite of passage for children to lose their baby teeth and get a visit from the tooth fairy. So as your child grows up, you may find yourself wondering when they should start losing their baby teeth. Although there is an average timeline during which most children shed their baby teeth, it’s important to remember that every child is different!
What Age Kids Start Losing Baby Teeth
Most children lose their first tooth around age six, somewhere between kindergarten and first grade. However, some children could lose their first tooth as early as four or as late as eight. Don’t panic if your child is the first or last in their class to lose their first tooth. The age at which your child starts losing their teeth does not necessarily indicate that anything is wrong with their oral or overall health.
First One In, First One Out
It’s often the case that kiddos lose their baby teeth in the same order in which they originally came in. Most kids lose their bottom center teeth or top center teeth first, which are usually the same teeth that erupted first when they were babies. These teeth are often followed by the lateral incisors, first molars, canines, and second molars.
If There’s a Noticeable Delay
There are some cases in which a child’s permanent teeth don’t come in so the baby tooth sticks around longer since there isn’t an adult tooth there to loosen and push it out. We can do a thorough exam to see what’s going on under their gums and make sure your little one doesn’t have any dental issues that are preventing their adult teeth from erupting.
Schedule Your Child’s Dental Checkup!
Teaching your child proper oral health habits from an early age will prepare them to take superb care of their adult teeth. It’s critical that you show them how to properly brush their teeth and floss to ensure that they achieve and maintain a healthy smile for a lifetime. If you ever have any concerns about your child’s oral health, please don’t hesitate to call our office! One of our team members would be happy to speak with you. You should also be scheduling your child for dental cleanings and checkups every six months. Contact us to make an appointment today.