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Losing Baby Teeth
Children usually begin to exfoliate (or lose) their baby teeth around age 5 or 6, starting with the two lower front teeth. They will typically lose all the front teeth (incisors) before the back teeth.
The last baby teeth to come out are the second primary molars and canines (eye teeth), usually between the ages of 11 and 13.
Baby teeth, also known as “primary dentition”, are very important in the development of your child’s mouth. Not only do they help children eat healthy and feel confident about themselves, they help keep space open for the permanent teeth still developing underneath.
When a baby tooth becomes abscessed (infected), it can actually cause damage to the permanent tooth underneath if left untreated.
Many people argue that there is no point in treating decayed baby teeth “because they will just fall out anyway.” It may be true that baby teeth will come out eventually, but children keep baby teeth for a long time and need them to chew, keep the jaw bones healthy, guide the permanent teeth into place, and feel good about themselves.
Also, infected or decayed baby teeth rarely simply fall out. If left untreated, they will often crack or break, leaving fragments and roots stuck in the gums that must be extracted by a dentist.
So remember that your child’s baby teeth are important! Taking good care of them is taking good care of your child!
Don’t be alarmed if a permanent tooth does not immediately grow in completely in place of a baby tooth that has just exfoliated – sometimes it can take months for a permanent tooth to come in all the way.
Your child’s dentist will watch erupting teeth for signs of trouble at regular, 6 month cleaning appointments. X-rays can show any teeth still under the gums and any problems that may arise.
See our Eruption Chart or find out when permanent teeth start to come in.
(please link to Eruption Chart under General Information index, and Permanent Teeth under Ages 5 – 10 index)
Read More About Oral Health for Children Ages 5 to 10:
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