The moment a child first loses a tooth can be a special time for both kids and parents, as it marks the transition toward having a full set of adult teeth. Although this is a process everyone goes through, the amount of time it takes children to start losing teeth can vary. As an experienced children’s dentist in Honolulu, HI, Dr. Allen K. Hirai, DDS, of Pediatric Dentistry Kahala offers insight on what to expect with your kid’s dental transition and how you can help.

When Does a Child Start Losing Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth loosen as soon as adult teeth are ready to come in, but that doesn’t happen at the same time for every child. Parents can expect the first tooth to come out at around six to seven years old. However, some children start to lose their teeth as early as age four. Some may even hold onto their baby teeth past eight years old.

If you notice loose teeth before your child’s fourth birthday, talk to a dentist to make sure it’s not connected to an underlying dental health issue. And while you don’t need to worry about teeth staying in, it’s always worth visiting a children’s dentist to check up on oral health development.

What Should I Do When My Child Has a Loose Tooth?

When an adult tooth starts to push through the gums, the baby tooth will rock back and forth and twist around. Although you can encourage a child to gently wiggle the tooth, they shouldn’t yank it out. Ripping out the tooth prematurely can leave the area prone to infection.

Eventually, the tooth will lightly snap out of the mouth. Once this occurs, you can expect bleeding to last about 10 minutes. Have your child place gauze over the gums to stop bleeding and then rinse with salt water to disinfect the area.

Losing teeth can cause temporary gum inflammation, which may cause pain for your child. To help reduce pain, apply an oral anesthetic gel or provide a child pain reliever to reduce inflammation.

Losing baby teeth presents an opportunity for parents to review the importance of regular dental hygiene with their kids — especially since their new teeth will be permanent. To ensure your little one embraces long-term oral health, schedule regular visits with a children’s dentist at Pediatric Dentistry Kahala. Combining expertise with advanced services, Dr. Hirai has a strong reputation for protecting children’s teeth — and helping them feel less anxious about their pediatric dental care. To schedule an appointment, contact this kid’s dentistry clinic at (808) 737-0076.