Ask the Dental Experts
Our philosophy is to help our patients achieve and maintain exceptional dental health. We work hard to make sure that our level of care is deserving of our patients’ respect and confidence. Our tradition of preventive dentistry is the basis for all service and care in our practice. We welcome all questions and comments regarding dentistry in the hope that we increase your dental "IQ" and help you make better dental health decisions.Thursday, May 11, 2006
Loose Teeth in Children
Q: My six year old has got his two bottom front permanent teeth since November without any problems. This evening he complained that the bottom left tooth is loose. Is this normal?
A: Children begin to lose their deciduous (baby) teeth between the ages of approximately 4 and 7 years of age. This process goes on for about 6 years, until the 12 year molars arrive. Later, the wisdom teeth arrive at approximately 20 years of age. The age of the child can vary a lot in this process, but the SEQUENCE of tooth loss is usually consistent. Your 6-year old may have some classmates who have lost several teeth and others who have not yet lost any...all normal.
One thing that we look for when your child comes for dental hygiene appointments is whether they are on schedule for their normal deciduous tooth loss and permanent tooth eruption. Your dentist will point this out at the next hygiene appointment.
The two lower front teeth are usually the first deciduous teeth to be lost, and the first sign of changes coming soon is the looseness he is sensing right now. If you will look at the other front tooth, you will probably find that it is also beginning to loosen (teeth are usually lost in pairs, one left and one right).
This normal loosening of your child's teeth will soon be followed by the loss of those teeth and that will be followed by the eruption of the permanent teeth in those positions.
Should you wish to start your child on a dental visit regimen, please contact out offices directly at 888.790.0309.
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