Parents are always looking for the best way to help their children, especially when it comes to dental health. One of the most important things that parents can do is ensure that their child’s teeth are brushed properly. Another often-overlooked area where parents need to be diligent in caring for their child’s mouth is loose baby teeth.
The AAPD also recommends that parents should consult a kids dentist if any tooth becomes loose and wiggles easily in. In this blog, we will cover all the information that parents need to know about this issue. So, let’s get started.
When Kids Start Losing Baby Teeth?
Children start losing teeth mostly at the age of 5 to 6. However, some kids even start losing teeth at the age of 4.
While it can vary from child to child, the first baby teeth usually start coming out around age six. Sometimes, a tooth may become loose earlier than that and fall right when brushing or eating hard food. Other times, there is no apparent reason why a tooth falls into your child’s mouth early on in their life.
At Dr. Yasmin, we can predict the timing of your child’s tooth loss by using a panoramic x-ray. If your child has lost one or more teeth, we may suggest taking an x-ray to determine if other teeth are loose and fall out soon.
What To Do When Baby Teeth Come Loose?
If a tooth becomes loose and wiggles easily in or out of the gums, pediatric dentists recommend that parents call immediately. The dentist will tell you if it is loose because of teething or another problem.
If your child’s tooth becomes loose because of teething, there isn’t much you need to do except monitor the situation and bring them in for a check-up. However, if the tooth becomes loose because of another problem such as infection or decay, your child will need treatment that may involve antibiotics or a filling.
In some cases, when a baby tooth is very loose and about to fall out, the dentist may decide to remove it instead of waiting for it to come out on its own. A child who has loose baby teeth may be more likely to develop cavities and other.
How Long Does It Take for Permanent Teeth to Grow In?
It usually takes about 12 to 18 months for the permanent teeth to grow after the baby teeth fall out. Permanent teeth will start growing around the age of six. It will take about a year and a half for all of them to come in.
How to Wiggle Loose Baby Teeth Back In?
If your child’s tooth is wiggling in and out of their gums, there may be a way to fix it. You should visit a pediatric dentist so that your kid can have a full evaluation. If the tooth is only partially out, the dentist may be able to push it back into place and hold it there with a bandage or splint.
If the tooth has completely fallen out of your child’s mouth, you can try to put it back in its socket. However, if that doesn’t work, don’t worry. You can also try pushing the tooth back in with your finger, keeping it moistened with saliva or water to ensure it stays clean.
Can Baby Teeth Get Stuck In The Gums?
Sometimes a tooth doesn’t fall out of the mouth when it is loose. Instead, the tooth gets stuck in the gums and becomes a “permanent” wiggly tooth. In this case, once your child’s permanent teeth start coming in, they will push out the baby tooth that got caught up in their gums.
Teething Tips For Parents
Here are some tips that parents can follow to help their child during teething:
- Gently massage your child’s gums with a clean finger or a damp cloth.
- Put a cold, wet washcloth on your child’s gums to relieve pain and swelling.
- Give your child something cold to chew on, such as a frozen juice bar, a piece of ice, or a cold teething ring.
- Provide plenty of fluids to help soothe the throat and keep your child hydrated.
If your child is taking medication, ask your pediatrician if it is safe for them to take ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief. Moreover, questions about your child’s baby teeth, please don’t hesitate to call Dr. Yasmin.