What to Do if Your Child Loses a Tooth
Losing a first tooth is a coming-of-age moment for most children. This milestone is up there with learning to read or the leaving home for the first day of school. Knowing what typically happens when a child loses a tooth can help parents reduce uncertainty and ease their child through the process.
Whenever a baby tooth falls out, the roots gradually dissolve and loosen so that a permanent tooth can grow in its place. The first teeth to go are usually the bottom two in the front, which typically happens around the age of 5 or 6, although it can be a year earlier or later. The top two are usually the next to go.
What If My Child Swallows It?
The timeframe of losing a tooth usually takes a few months from when it becomes loose until it falls out on its own. If one gets lost in food and is swallowed, don’t worry. Your neighborhood family dentist at Beckham Square Family Dental will assure you that it’s completely harmless. Also, the Tooth Fairy can still pay a visit.
Don’t Force It Out
Is it okay to let a baby tooth wiggle free on its own? Definitely. Most full-service family dentists in your area say that’s actually the best method. Never force a tooth loose or tie it to a string and yank it free. If the root doesn’t get a chance to fully dissolve, it could break and become infected.
Instead, you can take a tissue and gently rotate the tooth. If it’s not loose enough yet, just wait and allow things to happen naturally. There’s no need to rush the process.
Lose a Tooth by Accident?
Children sometimes lose teeth prematurely because of injury or trauma. About 50% of kids will lose a tooth due to injury. If your child loses or chips a tooth accidentally, call your local family dental provider immediately. If it was a baby tooth, don’t worry about finding it. It can’t be placed back in the mouth anyway.
If the tooth is permanent, quick action can help preserve it. Rinse the tooth in saline, milk, or the child’s own saliva. Place the tooth back into the socket and stabilize it gently with a tissue or dry cloth. If placement isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a glass of milk and call your family dentist right away for emergency care. Remember that time is critical.
If your child doesn’t lose the entire tooth but a chip comes out, try to find the chip and take it with you to the dentist. They may be able to repair the tooth with the original material.
Oral Health Support from Your Cincinnati Dentist
Losing a baby tooth prematurely requires immediate dental care, and Beckham Square Family Dental is there for your time of need. We can also support you during the natural process of baby tooth loss. Contact us today if you have questions about the transition from baby to permanent teeth.