Greeley Dental Care

Losing baby teeth is an exciting milestone for every child—it marks the beginning of their journey toward a permanent, healthy smile. For parents, though, it can raise plenty of questions: When should it happen? What’s normal? And how can you help your child care for their new teeth? With professional guidance from a trusted ****dentist in Greeley, you can ensure that your child’s dental development stays on track and that each tooth transition happens smoothly. Understanding what to expect makes it easier to support your child’s comfort and confidence through every stage of their smile’s growth.

When Do Children Start Losing Baby Teeth?

Most children begin losing their primary (baby) teeth between the ages of 6 and 7, though this can vary slightly for each child. The process usually follows the same order as when the baby teeth first erupted—starting with the lower front teeth (central incisors), followed by the upper front teeth. By the time your child reaches 12 or 13 years old, all baby teeth are typically replaced with permanent ones.

This natural process occurs as the roots of baby teeth gradually dissolve, making room for adult teeth to emerge. While it’s an exciting phase, it can sometimes cause mild discomfort or tenderness in the gums. Parents can help by providing reassurance, keeping the area clean, and celebrating each “tooth fairy” moment as a positive experience.

Common Signs a Tooth Is Ready to Fall Out

You’ll often notice a few early indicators that a baby tooth is getting ready to come out:

• Increased looseness or wiggling of the tooth
• Mild gum swelling or redness
• Your child mentioning discomfort while chewing
• The permanent tooth beginning to peek through behind or below the baby tooth

Encourage your child to gently wiggle loose teeth with clean hands or tongues, but never force a tooth to come out before it’s ready. Pulling too early can damage the gums or cause unnecessary bleeding.

Caring for Gums and New Permanent Teeth

Once a tooth falls out, a small gap will remain until the adult tooth grows in. To keep the area healthy:

• Have your child rinse with warm salt water to soothe the gums.
• Continue daily brushing and flossing—even around the missing tooth area.
• Avoid hard or sticky foods that may irritate sensitive spots.
• Encourage regular dental visits for professional monitoring.

Your dentist in Greeley can help ensure that the new teeth are erupting properly and that there’s enough space for alignment. Early monitoring helps prevent crowding or misalignment that might require orthodontic care later on.