Although there are generalities of “normal,” no two people are alike when it comes to development and health. As a family dentist, Dr. Corbet Locke sees patients of all ages with a variety of dental needs. As a pediatric dentist serving the children of central Texas—specifically in the Waco area—Dr. Locke treats young dental patients who are in the midst of some significant developmental milestones. Today, Dr. Locke wants to discuss what’s normal and what’s not when it comes to childrens’ tooth loss.
Childrens’ Tooth Loss: What’s Normal
In general, four and a half to eight years of age is a normal time for children to lose their baby teeth. Most children lose their first baby tooth around the age of six years. Of course, some babies develop their baby teeth very early, and these children are more likely to lose their baby teeth early, as well.
As a parent, it’s your responsibility to make sure that your child receives the professional health care he or she needs, and this includes an initial dental checkup by the age of one year. At this appointment, Dr. Locke will check the health of your child’s gums and teeth (if he or she has any). He will also answer any questions you have and teach you the best techniques for caring for a toddler’s smile. Generally, a child’s first dental cleaning appointment takes place around four to five years of age.
Children’s Tooth Loss: What’s Not Normal
Although normal age of tooth loss varies from child to child, there are a few warning signs of trouble that Dr. Locke wants you to be aware of. These warning signs are:
- delayed eruption of the permanent tooth once the baby tooth has fallen out
- closing of the space where the baby tooth was, which prevents the permanent tooth from growing in
- changes in your child’s bite as teeth fall out and erupt
If your child experiences any of the above symptoms, Dr. Locke will make suggestions for treatment to get development back on track. In most cases, Dr. Locke can spot these problems in the earliest stages, but only if your child comes in to our Waco dentist office regularly for routine dental checkups and cleanings.
To find out how to keep your child’s smile as big and healthy as possible, call Dr. Locke’s dentist office in Waco, Texas at (254) 776-8127 or visit us online at www.corbetlockedds.com.