A Child’s First Lost Tooth

When a child first loses a tooth, it can be very exciting. Not only will he or she get a visit from the Tooth Fairy, but this is also one of the signs of becoming a ‘Big Kid.’ While most kids are excited about losing teeth, many parents have questions regarding what to expect when their child loses a tooth. There is rarely a problem associated with losing teeth, but there are a few potential issues you can keep an eye out for.

Timeline

Your children will begin losing teeth between the ages of five and seven years old. This may happen a little earlier or a little later, that’s ok too. Your child will continue to lose teeth until he or she reaches the age of twelve or thirteen.

Losing a Tooth

The most important thing to remember when your child begins to have loosening teeth is to allow the teeth to fall out naturally. Avoid forcing or pulling a tooth out of place as this can break the tooth or cause damage to the roots. In the event that the tooth is only being held in by a small piece of gum tissue, you can gently remove it with a piece of sterile gauze.

Possible Problems

Most teeth are lost without incident, but there is a chance of infection when losing a tooth. This is because the sharp edges of the tooth can cut the gums. If this happens, you can use a topical antiseptic gel to avoid infection. However, if you’re concerned about a major infection, please contact our office as quickly as possible.

For more information on what to expect when your child loses a tooth, or to schedule an appointment at our Firestone, CO office, please contact Firestone Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics today.