When you’re a parent, it can be exciting to think about when your child’s first adult teeth begin coming through as it’s an exciting time for them too: they get to wake up with money under their pillow or a toy next to their bed!
However, not everyone knows the number of baby teeth a child will lose whilst growing up; how many will be lost overall, or how to make sure your child has good oral health.
When do children first begin losing teeth?
A child’s baby teeth, or primary teeth as they’re known in dentistry, will start to loosen and make way for permanent teeth at around age 6 for both children born as males and females, however, this can be delayed up to a year.
Permanent teeth erupt around 6-7 years of age.
The typical order that baby teeth will loosen and eventually fall out in is as follows:
1. The two bottom front teeth
2. Two top front teeth
3. Lateral incisors
4. First molars
5. Canines
6. Second molars
How many teeth do children lose?
Children have a set of 20 primary teeth contained within their mouths, once these teeth all come out in the order described above, 20 replacement teeth as well as 8 new teeth will push their way out of the gums and fully replace the set.
Tooth loss is a gradual process, a tooth won’t come out until the new one has practically pushed itself all the way through the gum. The 28 new teeth won’t have finished coming through until your child is around 12 or 13.
The last of the permanent teeth to come out are the third molars or wisdom teeth. They come through between 17 to 23 years of age.
How to ensure your child has good oral health
First of all, one of the most important things to do to ensure that your child has healthy teeth with no issues is to register your child with your dentist when they get their first baby teeth at around 6 months old.
When your child does get their first baby teeth through, you also need to begin brushing their teeth with a small toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste suitable for their age. Once your child is old enough, you can teach them how to brush, and the importance of brushing.
Lastly, here’s a general list of healthy foods you can feed your child, like with an adult diet, it should be varied and low in sugar.