Now that your child is at the age when they’re getting loose baby teeth, you may look back on when the same happened to you. If your child is losing and gaining teeth earlier or later than you did, you might be understandably concerned. Learn what’s considered normal in this process in the following guide.

When Kids Lose Their First Teeth

Most children lose their first baby tooth at five or six years old, with some children beginning as young as four. Kids will likely begin wiggling the tooth on their own when they feel it loosen. If a baby tooth isn’t ready to come out, don’t force it; let it come out naturally. After losing a tooth, it can take anywhere between a week to six months for the next one to emerge.

Between Baby & Adult Teeth 

The two front teeth are usually the first to come in, with the lateral incisor (the teeth on either side of the two front teeth) soon to follow. Have your child see their dentist at least twice a year during this crucial development period to learn how to best clean between spaces where new teeth are growing. Kids usually lose their last baby teeth around age 12.

Factors That Affect Growth

Your child’s adult teeth may not come in for many reasons. It could be that their mouth lacks adequate space for larger, permanent teeth, or they may not be getting enough calcium in their diet. Even their gender could be a factor—girls often develop their permanent teeth up to six months earlier than boys. If you’re concerned, consult your children’s dentist, who may recommend adding calcium to their diet and avoiding refined sugars as much as possible.

If your child seems to have issues with losing their baby teeth or growing adult ones, seek help from Pedodontic Associates in Honolulu, HI. Their team of kind and compassionate dentists have over 25 years of experience and focus on prevention, early detection, and treatment of dental diseases. With six doctors in three convenient locations, you’ll be able to make an appointment that suits your schedule. Call (808) 487-7933 for Aiea, (808) 735-1733 for Honolulu, and (808) 877-0066 for Kahului to make an appointment today, and visit them online to learn what to expect from your child’s first visit.