“Mom, I have a loose tooth!” When kids notice that their baby teeth are starting to become loose, they might get excited. Perhaps they want to have something to offer to the Tooth Fairy, or maybe they’re just looking forward to getting “grown up” teeth. As a parent, you’ll probably share their enthusiasm. When can you expect your young ones to start losing their baby teeth, and what if you suspect that the timing for this rite of passage is off? Your children’s dentist in Denton is here to talk about this important subject.
The Normal Age Range
Human development doesn’t follow a precise timetable. Just like babies start walking and talking at different ages, they’ll also begin to lose their teeth at different times. However, this a normal age range wherein you can expect your little ones to start losing their teeth. Some children might begin the process as early as 4 or 5, while others might be as old as 7 or 8.
In general, the kids who started to teethe the earliest when they were babies will be the first to start losing their primary teeth. Keep in mind, though, that there aren’t any specific rules for this.
Concerned that It’s Too Early?
If your child has a loose tooth at a very young age, perhaps when they’re 3 or 4, you might be concerned that it’s too early for those little chompers to come out. It’s possible that nothing is wrong and your child is just developing a bit ahead of their fellow toddlers. However, there is a small chance that something else is going on.
Just to make sure that all is well, it’s a good idea for you to schedule an appointment for your child with your family dentist in Denton. A professional can examine your child’s mouth and determine if anything abnormal is going on. It might be that your child incurred an injury that they didn’t tell you about or that something is amiss with the way their mouth is developing.
Getting a professional opinion on the situation is important because a child’s primary teeth make way for their permanent ones. Oral health problems early in life can lead to orthodontic issues later on if such issues aren’t taken care of as soon as possible.
What If Seems to Be Taking Too Long?
What if your baby is bummed out because they’re 8 or 9 years old and all their friends already have some of their adult teeth—but your child still has all of their primary ones? Again, there might be nothing to worry about. Still, it’s better to be cautious. Your dentist can take x-rays of your child’s mouth and let you know if the permanent teeth are developing normally under the gum line.
Loose teeth in a child can be a sign that they’re growing up — or they could signal trouble. If you’re concerned that your little one’s mouth isn’t developing according to schedule, it’s best to consult a dentist about the situation.
About the Dentist
Dr. Ted Dunson is your children’s dentist in Denton. He loves to work with kids and will be happy to take a look at your little one and let you know if their mouth is developing normally. You can contact our office at 940-566-4942.