Losing baby teeth is a childhood milestone everyone goes through, but it can seem like a new experience with your first child. The dentists at the Implant Center of Maui in Kahului, HI, often field questions from first-time parents about baby teeth, so here they share some guidance. If your child has a loose tooth, learn more on the subject from the following questions.

4 FAQ About Baby Teeth

1. When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?

While the ages children lose their teeth can vary, most go through it for the first time between 6 and 7. However, there’s no need for concern if your child loses their tooth at 5 or 8. Most children will lose one of the bottom middle teeth first.

2. Do You Need to Do Anything?

Losing baby teeth is a normal and healthy experience for children. Taking your children to the dentist when they lose a baby tooth isn’t usually necessary. Most kids see a dentist between the ages of 2 and 3 for a routine cleaning and checkup, but if they haven’t been yet, you should take them after losing a baby tooth. The loss of baby teeth indicates the adult teeth are moving in, and those require extra care.

3. How Do You Handle Loose Teeth?

When a tooth becomes loose, it can be tempting to pull it out or use a hard food like an apple to encourage it to come out. Unless the tooth is incredibly loose and becoming distracting while chewing or talking, let it continue to free itself. Pulling it too early can cause some pain, which may distress your child the next time they have a loose tooth.

4. What Do You Do When it Falls Out?

Once the tooth comes out, have your child gargle with warm water, especially if you notice any bleeding. You may or may not see the adult tooth poking through already. Practicing proper dental care is now more important than ever since these teeth will be permanent, and you want to keep them decay and cavity-free.

If you have any questions about your child’s baby or adult teeth, don’t hesitate to reach out to the dentists at the Implant Center of Maui. For over 30 years, this practice has offered dental care for the whole family, from teeth cleaning to cosmetic dentistry and dental surgery. Learn more about the services they offer on their website, or call (808) 877-3606 to schedule an appointment. First-time patients can come in for a free exam!