As a parent it’s bound to happen – your child runs up to you and says they have lost a tooth. If it’s a baby tooth, there is no need to worry. If it’s a permanent tooth, check out our blog post about what to do when you unexpectedly lose a tooth due to trauma or decay.

Here’s what you need to know about baby teeth:

Your child has 20 baby teeth, and these typically come out in the same order they came in. This means your kids will most likely lose their lower center teeth first. Children will lose their first teeth around the age of 6, but baby teeth can start coming out anywhere between the ages of 4 to 7. The earlier your child had their first teeth come in the earlier they will start coming out.

Your kiddo will likely be excited about losing their first tooth – especially if you have discussed the tooth fairy with them already! Be sure to talk with your children about their baby teeth coming out – it shouldn’t hurt and they won’t feel hardly any pain.

Encourage your children to wiggle loose teeth but not too much so teeth don’t come out prematurely. Have your little one gargle with some warm water if there's bleeding. You can also try having them bite on a clean towel, a piece of gauze or some paper towel. And not to worry, the majority of bleeding should stop within an hour.

Let your child know not to brush too hard on the spot where a tooth recently came out. It will likely be tender for a little while and may start bleeding again with harsh brushing.

Adult teeth will start to come in within a few weeks of a baby tooth coming out. You will notice they look a bit bigger, don’t look as white and have more pronounced ridges.

Remember to teach your children good brushing and flossing habits throughout this process. After all, they will have these new adult teeth for the rest of their lives and it’s important to take good care of them.

Call Rogue River Family Dental to schedule your next cleaning for your little one at 616-866-7720.