As children grow, it's normal for their baby teeth to eventually become loose and fall out. This process, known as teething, allows permanent adult teeth to emerge in their place. Loose baby teeth are a rite of passage for kids, but the process can sometimes be uncomfortable or cause worry for parents. Understanding why baby teeth loosen will help you support your child through this transition.
Main Body:
Baby teeth, also called primary teeth or deciduous teeth, are meant to be temporary. Human adults have two sets of teeth in their lifetime - the first set of 20 baby teeth and the second set of 32 permanent teeth. Baby teeth begin to form while a baby is still in the womb, with the first ones usually emerging around 6 months old. A full set of 20 baby teeth is typically in place by age 3.
These baby teeth serve important functions for a child’s development. They enable kids to bite, chew and speak properly. Baby teeth also hold space in the jaws for permanent teeth growing under the gums.
As children reach ages 6-12, their permanent teeth begin pushing up from below to replace the baby teeth. This pressure loosens the roots of baby teeth and causes them to wiggle and eventually fall out. The process makes room for the permanent teeth to take their place. Sometimes a loose baby tooth comes out easily on its own when a child is eating or playing. Other times, a dentist in Dearborn may need to extract a loose tooth if it’s hanging on for too long.
The most common signs that a baby tooth is ready to come out include:
- Increased wiggle room or tooth looseness
- Sensitivity to hot or cold foods
- Gum pain, swelling or bleeding
- Difficulty biting or chewing
- A loose tooth that hangs at an odd angle
Seeing a pediatric dentist regularly will ensure baby teeth are coming out on schedule. If a baby tooth is still firmly in place when the permanent tooth below begins emerging, both teeth may remain crooked and impacted. A dentist can extract baby teeth that are stubbornly hanging on to prevent this.
Conclusion:
Wiggly, loose baby teeth are perfectly normal during childhood and a sign that a child’s permanent teeth are developing properly. While the process can sometimes be uncomfortable, parents can take their child to a pediatric dentist in Dearborn for guidance. With an understanding of the teething process, parents can help their child smoothly transition from baby teeth to a grown-up smile. Be sure to monitor their oral health and brush thoroughly twice a day. And if you live in Dearborn, contact your local pediatric dentists at Oakman Family Dentistry for checkups to keep those baby teeth on track!
Address:- 4700 Greenfield Rd, Dearborn, MI 48126, United States
