When your child starts to lose his or her baby teeth, chances are, you are filled with a wide range of emotions. This is a rite of passage that every child goes through, signifying them growing up. For many parents, this is a bittersweet moment that you’ve been anticipating for quite some time. While every child is different, there are some general guidelines to keep in mind when it comes to trying to figure out when children lose their baby teeth. For the most part, children lose their baby teeth during the early elementary years. However, it is important not to panic if your child has not lost his or her baby teeth in this time frame. In some instances, children hang onto their baby teeth for much longer than his siblings, friends, and classmates. This is totally normal and nothing to worry about. That being said, if you are ever concerned about your child’s dental health, please call Cosmetic & Family Dentistry of Las Colinas and make an appointment. We are here to answer any questions you may have and will do what we can to ease your mind about your child’s dental health.
What Are the Purpose of Baby Teeth?
Baby teeth are also referred to as primary teeth or milk teeth and are a vital part of any child’s development. They play an instrumental role in how the mouth and jawbone develop. The jawbone and mouth muscles actually rely on baby teeth for spacing and to maintain the shape of jaw. Furthermore, baby teeth act as holding places for the permanent teeth, if you will. Baby teeth create an opening and space for a child’s permanent teeth to come in. Last but not least, baby teeth play an integral role in speech development and help children learn how to properly chew their food.
When Can I Expect My Child to Start Losing Their Baby Teeth?
Parents should start preparing for their children to lose their teeth around the age of 5 or 7, however this could happen sooner or later. Research shows that girls usually lose their baby teeth before boys and children with special needs lose their baby teeth when they are a bit older than other kids. While children may start to lose their baby teeth around the age of 5 or 7, the last 12 teeth may not fall out until they are between the ages of 10 and 13. The lower and upper central incisors are usually first to go and the upper and second molars along with the upper canines usually stick around the longest.
If you have any other questions about your child losing his or her baby teeth, please do not hesitate to give our Las Colinas dental clinic a call. We are happy to evaluate your child and make sure they are on the right track and losing their baby teeth in a safe and manageable way.
