Loose Tooth
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Loose teeth in children – a rite of passage that elicits both excitement and trepidation. It’s a milestone that marks the transition from adorable baby smiles to toothless grins, but it can also be a cause for concern for parents. As your little one embarks on this dental journey, you may find yourself with questions swirling in your mind.
It’s important to note that while wiggly teeth are generally normal and harmless, there are instances where further attention may be required. If your child experiences excessive pain or bleeding associated with a loose tooth or if they suffer any trauma or injury affecting their mouth area, don’t hesitate to seek professional help from our pediatric dentist.
When is it Normal for Children to Get Loose Teeth?
Children typically start getting their baby teeth around six months old, and by the age of 3, they usually have a full set of 20 primary teeth. These baby teeth are important for speech development, proper chewing, and holding space for permanent teeth. Around the age of 5 or 6, children’s jaws begin to grow larger to accommodate adult teeth. This growth causes the roots of their baby teeth to weaken, leading to loose teeth. It’s perfectly normal for children in this age range to experience loose teeth as their bodies prepare for the arrival of permanent ones.
However, every child develops at their own pace. Some may lose their first tooth as early as four years old, while others may not until seven or eight years old. As long as there is no accompanying pain or signs of infection, this wide range falls within the realm of normalcy. If your child loses a tooth prematurely due to an accident or decay before its natural time, don’t panic! The adjacent teeth will likely shift over time and fill in the gap left behind until the permanent tooth comes in naturally.
Remember that each child is unique when it comes to dental development. If you have concerns about your child’s loose tooth or if they haven’t lost any by around age seven or eight, consult with our pediatric dentist, who can provide personalized guidance based on your child’s specific needs.
Signs of an Emergency Loose Tooth
It’s important to know the signs that indicate when a loose tooth requires immediate attention.
- One telltale sign is severe pain. If your child is in intense pain and experiencing difficulty eating or speaking, it could be a sign of a dental emergency. Swelling around the affected area is another red flag. This could indicate infection or trauma that needs urgent treatment.
- Bleeding gums are also cause for concern. While some bleeding may occur naturally when a tooth becomes loose, excessive or prolonged bleeding should not be ignored. Additionally, if your child experiences sudden mobility or displacement of the tooth, it may require immediate attention from our pediatric dentist.
If any of these signs are present, don’t hesitate to contact our pediatric dentist right away. They will be able to assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance and treatment options.
If you’re concerned about your child’s dental health, contact Bend Children’s Dentistry at 2190 NE Professional Court, Suite 200, Bend, OR 97701, or call (541) 907-1611.