How children's teeth erupt and fall out

Generally, children will have around 20 baby teeth. These teeth will start erupting when the baby is six months old. Usually, the first baby teeth are the front teeth, called incisors. From this moment until they are 3 years old the baby teeth will continue erupting until they are all through. 
How do children’s teeth erupt and fall out? Eventually, baby teeth and its roots will dissolve, from forces of the adult tooth erupting and it is perfectly natural. They need to fall out to make way for the permanent teeth. Most kids will start losing baby teeth at the age of 5 or 6 but it can also happen as early as 4 or as late as 8 years old. Generally, children whose baby teeth erupted early also lose them early.
Baby teeth tend to fall out on their own. Sometimes, they get stuck in the food your child is eating.  For stubborn teeth that don’t fall easily and just hang in there, you can ask your child to wiggle it until it falls off. When a baby tooth falls off, the permanent tooth is usually underneath the gums, just waiting to replace the tooth.

​Why are the teeth different colours?

Baby teeth are whiter than adult teeth. Don’t worry if your child’s permanent tooth looks less white. As more and more baby teeth are replaced, the color difference will not be noticeable at all.
Is losing baby teeth painful?
Normally, it is not. It can actually be painless which is why we encourage your child to wiggle it more. However, molars erupting may cause your child’s gum to look swollen and he/she may complain of pain. Or sometimes the erupting tooth can have sharp edges on the dissolving root and this pinches the gum. 

Why are baby teeth important?

Although primary teeth will be lost and replaced by permanent adult teeth, it is still important to take good care of them. Primary teeth have different functions including: reserving space for permanent teeth, helping to shape the face, assisting in good speech, ensuring good nutrition, and providing a healthy foundation for permanent teeth.

What age should the child start visiting the dentist?

Around 3 is a good age as that is when all their baby teeth should be through. This will get them used to environment and also give us an opportunity to check for decay or any other concerns.
If you have some concerns about your child’s teeth eruption call us on. 
07 4725 3366