Kids usually start growing in their first tooth at around 6 months old.  From there, their teeth continue to grow; most kids have a full mouth of teeth by age 3.  The next step that they’ll face is losing their baby teeth, which usually occurs between 5 to 7 years of age.  Don’t worry, though, if your child loses their first tooth at age 4, as it’s completely normal as well.  If this is your first child, or even your third, you may not know what exactly to do when your child’s teeth start to get loose.

For starters, we advise against forcing any teeth out.  We’ve all seen the video of kids tying their teeth to a string and attaching it to the door to yank it out.  It may be a funny joke in the movie, but it’s not good for your child’s teeth.  The best thing to do is to let them get loose naturally. Once they’re loose enough, they’ll come out easily; many times, they even fall out when your child is brushing their teeth.  When this happens, there may be a little blood, but there shouldn’t be a lot.  This process may agitate your child a little; you can ask your family dentist in Bloomfield NJ to recommend a pain-relieving medication.

If their tooth falls out because of an accident or injury, you should take them to your family dentist in Bloomfield NJ as soon as you can.  The family dentist in Clifton NJ will be able to check for any infections, while also examining if the permanent tooth was affected.

Once their first couple of teeth fall out, you’ll be a pro at the process.  Many parents choose to participate in the Tooth Fairy game, but it’s entirely up to you.  By the age of 12 or 13, your child will have 32 permanent teeth in their mouth.

Aside from their regular cleanings, it’s important that your family dentist in Bloomfield NJ checks the progress of your child’s teeth.  The family dentist in Clifton NJ will be able to identify whether or not the teeth are growing in as they should.