Kids Dentistry

Forming and Losing Teeth (THE Tooth Fairy)

Forming Teeth

 The first baby teeth that come in are the two bottom front teeth. You will notice this when your baby is about 6-8 months old. Next will be the 4 upper front teeth.  The remainder of your baby's teeth will appear periodically. They will usually appear in pairs along the sides of the jaw until your child is about 2 1/2 years  old.  Many times the appearance of teeth is accompanied by drooling and fussiness.  At around 2 1/2 years your child should have all 20 teeth.

Losing Teeth

Between the ages of 5 and 7 your child's baby teeth start to loosen and after much tugging and pulling, they are lost. This process will continue until they are 12 or 13 years old. 
 
Note to parents:  Be sure to decide what you will give your child for their precious tooth before the actual event takes place.  And write yourself a note so you do not forget to leave the Tooth Fairy present/money for your child.    
 
Some of the permanent teeth replace baby teeth.  The first permanent molars do not replace baby teeth, they erupt behind baby teeth.  Do not worry if some teeth are a few months early or late as all children are different.  It is the order of eruption, not the child's age, that is important. 
 
Baby teeth are important as they not only hold space for permanent teeth but they are important to chewing, biting, speech and appearance. For this reason it is important to maintain a healthy diet and daily brushing in infants, toddlers, and young children