Teeth work in tandem to help you eat food, speak clearly, and smile. Thus, their development is an important part of children’s dental and general health. As a parent, you can expect your little one’s teeth to begin erupting between the ages of six months and a year—after which you should bring them to their first dentist appointment. However, the baby teeth won’t fall out until years later. Here’s what you need to know about that process. 

When Should You Expect Baby Teeth to Come Out? 

By age three, your child should have all of their baby teeth, 20 in total. However, expect to wait at least a few years before they lose their first tooth. At around six, their central incisors will fall out and be replaced by permanent molars. Approximately six years later, at age 12, they’ll lose their last baby tooth, the second molar or cuspid. By the time they’re 21, they should have all 32 of their adult teeth. 

What Should You Do When a Tooth Falls Out?  

When your little one’s teeth come out, there are a number of steps to take to keep the sockets healthy. For example, avoid brushing the socket for at least a day after; this area will be delicate at first, and even a soft brush can cause irritation and pain. 

Immediately after they lose a tooth, have your child do a salt-water rinse to clean the socket and prevent infection. Next, put gauze on the area to limit bleeding. After around 10 minutes, the blood should stop. However, call a dentist if it continues. 

After the bleeding is finished, rub an over-the-counter topical anesthetic on the socket to reduce pain and prevent soreness and inflammation. If you notice swelling, have them take children's ibuprofen. 

If your child loses a tooth and the socket won’t stop bleeding, contact Nelson Hatanaka, D.D.S. Serving Hawaii Kai, Honolulu, Waikiki, Kahala, Diamond Head, Kaka'ako, and Manoa, Dr. Hatanaka has been helping Oahu residents with dental emergencies since 1983. His mobile phone is available to patients, and he’ll handle urgent needs at any time, including weekends. This dental practice will provide the procedures and care you need in a comfortable and caring environment. To make a dentist appointment, call (808) 395-1922.