When your child reaches their third birthday, it’s extremely likely that they will have a full set of 20 baby teeth. This is a great milestone in itself and we’re sure that both you and your child are extremely proud of their perfect white teeth. However what you may be concerned about is the next process. When a child’s milk teeth become wobbly, they can experience discomfort and it can be hard for us to know what to do during this time. This being said, you need not worry – our friendly team at Tiny World Day Nursery have a great wealth of experience working with and looking after children and are here to offer a word of advice.
The average age children start to lose their teeth
Unsure when your child might start losing their milk teeth? Of course, as always the answer isn’t so simple but the earliest we’ve experienced is around four years of age with the eldest being around eight years old. It’s also very common for your child’s front teeth to come out first, followed by the back teeth.
For those children that teethed later than others, it’s quite likely that they will have their milk teeth for sometime and similarly for those that teethed early, it’s likely that they will lose theirs early on.
What if my child swallows their tooth?
Should your child swallow a loose tooth whilst eating or playing, keep calm; it’s harmless. Although it might come as a surprise to your child, they will not have any adverse effects. You may remember way back when you were a child that your teeth also came out in unusual and unexpected ways, but that’s normal for a wobbly tooth. It’s simply allowing space for adult teeth to grow and remain in position.
How long does a wobbly tooth remain?
These things take time, so it’s likely that a stubborn tooth can be wobbly for a good couple of months and hang on by the tiniest of roots, causing considerable discomfort. This can be unpleasant for both you and your child, so you may be wondering whether or not it’s worth giving it that extra wiggle. You’re not alone; we’ve all encouraged our children’s wobbly milk tooth with a helping hand. Doing this is OK as long as it doesn’t cause increased pain.
How to help teething pain
Most of the time, losing milk teeth is painless but sometimes pain will be experienced when there’s a sharp root cutting into a child’s gums. Pain might also be caused when their molars begin to rise through their gums at the back, making their mouths tender and swollen. If your child does have teething pain, it’s worth taking them to the dentist or doctor to see if they can give them ibuprofen or a soothing gel to reduce or eliminate their pain.
What if my child doesn’t want to eat?
Make sure your child keeps to a healthy diet and try giving them soothing foods that can help reduce the swelling. Give your child yogurts, soup and pureed fruits; these soft foods will be nice on their gums and remaining teeth.
My child still hasn’t lost all 20 teeth
If your child may be coming up to 7 or 8 years old and still haven’t lost any or all teeth, speak to their dentist. It’s likely that there isn’t a problem but just to be on the safe side, it’s worth a visit because they may recommend an X-ray to check that their teeth are indeed, hiding within the gums.
Although your child may be upset, their teeth will probably come through harder, since they’ve been protected within the jaw for a longer period of time. This can also mean they have increased resistance to cavities too.
During this time it’s important to let your child know that there’s nothing wrong with having their adult teeth develop later than their friends and they will still get to put them under the pillow for the Tooth Fairy.
At Tiny World Day Nursery, we understand that these milestones can be both exciting and daunting but there’s nothing wrong with asking for a little helping hand along the way. For over 30 years we have been caring for babies and children, which is why many parents turn to us for daycare. If you would like to know more about what we have to offer, please get in touch today and let’s schedule in a tour of our premises.