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It’s an important developmental milestone when your child begins to lose their baby teeth. This is also a great time to reinforce important dental hygiene habits and keep tabs on your child’s oral health. The team at Pfeiffer Family Dentistry, a dentist office based in Fort Thomas, KY, explains what to expect when your child starts to lose their baby teeth.

Facts About Losing Baby Teeth

Most children begin to lose their baby teeth around age 6, although it’s normal for this process to be delayed by up to a year. Children tend to lose their two bottom front teeth first, followed by the top center pair. If your little one’s teeth seem to be falling out early, reach out to your family dentist to make sure your child isn’t dealing with tooth decay. When primary teeth fall out prematurely, there’s a chance a permanent tooth will drift into the empty space, which can lead to crowding.

dentistIt’s normal for a tooth to take a few days or weeks to fall out. This process largely depends on how long it takes for the tooth’s root to dissolve or be reabsorbed. Believe it or not, wiggling the tooth can help expedite the process. Instruct your child not to pull their tooth prematurely, which can increase their chance of infection. If a tooth refuses to budge after an extended period of time, schedule an appointment with your family dentist.

How to Talk About Dental Care

After your child loses a tooth, have them gargle with warm water and talk to them about proper dental hygiene habits. They should continue to gently brush twice a day with a child-friendly toothpaste, and you should help them floss their teeth daily. You can also use this time to talk to them about eating a diet that is low in sugar. Sugary drinks can damage their new, permanent teeth by contributing to tooth decay, but nutritious, wholesome foods can help their teeth remain strong and healthy.

Losing baby teeth is a milestone to celebrate. Continue to model healthy dental habits for your child and maintain regularly scheduled visits with their family dentist. Families throughout the Fort Thomas area value the professionalism, care, and personalized attention at Pfeiffer Family Dentistry. Whether you need teeth whitening or oral surgery, you’ll find a caring staff with decades of experience. To schedule an appointment, call (859) 441-1900 today, or visit them online to learn more about their family dentistry services.

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