Primary teeth (baby teeth) loosen and fall out on their own to make room for permanent teeth. Most children begin to lose their baby teeth by age 6 or 7, although sometimes baby teeth fall out up to a year or two earlier or later. Girls generally lose baby teeth earlier than do boys. The last baby teeth typically fall out by age 12 or 13.

Baby teeth usually fall out in the order in which they erupted — the two bottom front teeth (lower central incisors) first, followed by the two top front teeth (upper central incisors), then the lateral incisors, first molars, canines and second molars.

Some children are excited to lose their baby teeth, while others are nervous about this childhood milestone. Either way, losing baby teeth is a great time to reinforce the importance of proper dental care:

?Remind your child to brush his or her teeth at least twice a day. Supervise or offer assistance as needed.
?Help your child floss his or her teeth at bedtime.
?Limit eating and drinking between meals and at bedtime — especially sugary treats and drinks, such as candy and soda.
?Schedule regular dental visits for your child, either with your family dentist or a dentist who specializes in children’s dental care.
?Ask the dentist about fluoride treatments and dental sealants to help prevent tooth decay.
With proper care, you can help your child’s permanent teeth last a lifetime.

According to the American Dental Association, you may be concerned about your child’s thumbsucking and wonder if it is harmful, at what age your child should stop, or what could happen if your child doesn’t stop.

Children suck on things because sucking is one of a baby’s natural reflexes and as infants get older it serves many purposes. It may make them feel secure and happy and helps them learn about their world to suck on their thumbs, fingers, pacifiers or other objects. Young children may also suck to soothe themselves. Since thumbsucking is relaxing, it may help induce sleep.

After the permanent teeth come in, sucking may cause problems with the proper growth of the mouth and alignment of the teeth. It can also cause changes in the roof of the mouth. The intensity of the sucking is a factor that determines whether or not dental problems may result. If children rest their thumbs passively in their mouths, they are less likely to have difficulty than those who vigorously suck their thumbs. Some aggressive thumbsuckers may cause problems with their baby (primary) teeth. If you notice changes in your child’s primary teeth, consult your dentist.

Children should have ceased sucking by the time the permanent front teeth are ready to erupt. Usually children stop between the ages of two and four years.

Pacifiers can affect the teeth essentially the same ways as sucking fingers and thumbs. However, it is often an easier habit to break.

Tips:

•Praise children for not sucking, instead of scolding them when they are.
•Children often suck their thumbs when feeling insecure or needing comfort. Focus on correcting the cause of the anxiety and provide comfort to your child.
•For an older child, involve him or her in choosing the method of stopping.
•Your dentist can offer encouragement to a child and explain what could happen to their teeth if they do not stop sucking.
•If the above tips don’t work, remind the child of their habit by bandaging the thumb or putting a sock on the hand at night. Your dentist or pediatrician may prescribe a bitter medication to coat the thumb or the use of a mouth appliance.