Parents understand that their kids teeth falling out is a natural part of life. Yet, for some children, teeth falling out can be a traumatic experience (especially if it’s the first). Although the pain of a baby tooth falling out is minimal, it’s still a big deal for your child!

At Children’s Dentistry in Las Vegas, we treat patients as young as infants. Because of this long-term relationship with children and their families, we’re used to lending our assistance when primary teeth are ready to fall out. We hear lots of questions from concerned parents:

• When do children’s front and back teeth fall out?
• How should I prepare my child for their teeth to fall out?
• What should I do when the tooth falls out?

The team at Children’s Dentistry share some of their most common tips for parents dealing with kid’s teeth falling out.

1. Don’t panic if your child’s teeth haven’t fallen out yet.

Most children’s baby teeth begin falling out around six or seven years of age. Yet, some children end up holding onto their baby teeth for a longer period of time, especially if they were late teethers. The pediatric dentist will monitor your child’s progress during the semi-annual cleaning and exam, so don’t worry if you think your kid is “behind schedule!”

2. Don’t force a tooth out.

We’ve all heard the stories of an overzealous parent who tied a string between a tooth and a doorknob and then slammed the door! When it comes to loose baby teeth, it’s best to allow nature to take its course. Obviously, every child wants to wiggle their loose tooth out—and that’s ok. But don’t allow them to do any serious tooth wiggling until the tooth is quite loose and more willing to fall out.

3. Stay calm when your kid’s teeth are falling out.

Remember: when a child’s tooth falls out, don’t panic! There is no reason to cause any additional stress to a child. At the same time, however, you should be prepared to provide quick care for your child. Here are some things to consider when a child’s tooth falls out:

• Have them swish and spit with water to rinse their mouth out.
• Place a cool cloth on their face if they are experiencing any pain.
• Rinsing every few hours with warm salt water can help keep infection at bay as well as provide relief from dull pain.
• If your child complains of pain, you can give them a children’s dose of acetaminophen or ibuprofen. Consult with your dentist for proper dosage amount.

Remember, all of your children’s front and back teeth will fall out over time. Each time one falls out, your child will handle it with even more ease than the previous occasion. By the time all 20 baby teeth fall out, they’ll be a pro!

Contact Children’s Dentistry

Here at Children’s Dentistry, we love seeing kids with happy, healthy smiles (even when they’re missing teeth!). If you live in the Las Vegas area, contact us today to schedule your child’s appointment. We have convenient evening and Saturday hours. We also accept most dental insurance plans, including Medicaid. We hope to see you soon!