As Hawaii’s best pediatric dentists, the team at Pedodontic Associates often encounters questions about baby teeth. Many parents wonder when they can expect their child to lose their initial set of teeth and develop permanent ones. The pediatric dentistry experts, with offices on Oahu and Maui, explain everything you need to know about your child’s baby teeth.

By the time they turn 3 years old, many children have developed a set of 20 baby teeth. The bottom center teeth (incisors) often are the first to erupt, and the top center teeth typically follow. Children often lose their baby teeth in the same order they develop them. By age 6, your child probably will lose their first tooth.

Ordinarily, a baby tooth will not become loose unless a permanent tooth is ready to erupt in its place. However, accidents or dental conditions sometimes cause a baby tooth to fall out before the permanent tooth is ready to erupt. In this case, it’s best to consult with your pediatric dentist, as they might need to take action to prevent future complications. For instance, the dentist might place a spacer in the spot to prevent crowding from surrounding teeth.

One thing to keep in mind is children don’t lose teeth at the same age or rate. Your child could lose their first tooth as a 4-year-old, but others might not lose one until they turn 7 or 8. The best way to ensure dental health throughout childhood and beyond is to maintain appointments for regular exams and teeth cleanings.

Pedodontic Associates is proud to uphold their reputation as Hawaii’s best pediatric dentists. You can rest assured these professionals will monitor your child’s oral wellness at every age. To schedule an appointment, call (808) 877-0066 for their Kahului facility, (808) 735-1733 for their Honolulu office, or (808) 487-7933 for their Aiea location. For more information about children’s dentistry, visit their website. Follow them on Twitter for dental care news and advice.