" How to help your child when their milk teeth fall out "

The change of teeth in children shows that the next generation will soon be schoolchildren. The offspring have now finally left toddlerhood behind them. But when do milk teeth actually fall out and what can parents do to support their children when their teeth change? In the following lines, we explain exactly what happens when milk teeth fall out and give you some valuable tips for this exciting time.

What happens when teeth change?

At around the age of 5, most children's permanent dentition, which then consists of a total of 32 teeth, erupts. As a rule, the second teeth simply push into the gaps that were previously kept free by the milk teeth. In contrast to the first teething in children, this change does not cause any pain because the root of the milk tooth is simply loosened by the permanent tooth.

Milk tooth

The change of teeth in children takes place in three phases:

• The first phase involves the eruption of the large molars, the so-called six-year molars, which were previously missing from the primary dentition. In addition, the incisors in the upper and lower jaw change. By the age of eight, the new teeth have usually grown in completely. In this first phase, children's regrowing teeth usually look noticeably large.
• After a short resting phase, the second phase takes place between the ages of nine and 19, during which the molars and canines are replaced. This is also usually painless.
• In the final, third phase of tooth replacement, the wisdom teeth finally erupt between the ages of 17 and 24.

What problems can occur during the change of teeth?

Even if the change from milk teeth to permanent teeth is usually completely painless, there can still be some problems that inevitably require a visit to the dentist:

Visit to the dentist

The tooth pushes in front of the milk tooth

If the milk tooth is very firmly in place and the root could not be loosened in time, it can happen that the permanent tooth simply pushes in front of the milk tooth. Similar problems can also occur if the second teeth are wider than the first. The dentist can then decide whether the affected milk tooth needs to be extracted.

Misaligned teeth

Misaligned teeth can occur if the child's jaw is too narrow or if it is deformed by external pressure (e.g. from a pacifier). In most cases, the dentist can recognize misaligned teeth in the primary dentition and correct them accordingly.

Caries

Even during eruption, decayed milk teeth can also infect the permanent teeth with caries. Pediatricians therefore recommend the use of fluoride in the first four years of life to prevent tooth decay if fluoride-free toothpastes are used.

When milk teeth are lost: tips for families

Your daughter or son needs an increased feeling of security during the period of changing teeth, as this is both an exciting and frightening phase for your offspring. Strengthen your child's self-confidence so that they get through the time of changing teeth well and can easily fend off any teasing. Careful dental care is now particularly important, as the enamel of the permanent teeth takes around three years to harden properly after eruption.

Brushing teeth together

You also need to remind your child to brush their permanent back molars. In conjunction with regular visits to the dentist and a healthy diet, you can create the best conditions for your offspring for a successful, problem-free change.

The change of teeth in children: rituals and special features

The milk tooth box: the ideal place for the first wobbly tooth

As the first baby teeth that fall out are something very special for your son or daughter, they should of course not just end up in the bin. They are a great reminder of childhood and can be presented as a special gift on the child's 18th birthday, for example.

To do this, get yourself a individual milk tooth tinin which you can safely store the beautiful mementos. There are many different versions, colors and shapes to choose from, so you are sure to find a beautiful model for your little one. Personalized milk tooth boxes, for example, which you can have printed or decorated with your child's name, are particularly individual.

The grand entrance of the tooth fairy

The ritual of the tooth fairy, which originated in America, has long been widespread in this country too. The mythical creature comes at night, takes away the child's first lost tooth and leaves a small gift in the form of hair clips, a new school seta toy car or something similar. Finally, a Cubbies cuddly toy with the child's name is a great gift.

Of course, the first tooth secretly goes back into your possession and not to the tooth fairy. You can store it in a nice milk tooth box to keep it as a special memory.

Conclusion: The change of teeth in children

Milk teeth accompany us through the first few years of our lives and are therefore a particularly beautiful, personal memento of our own childhood.

In addition to a proper brushing routine, a healthy diet and regular visits to the dentist, you can also support your child on an emotional level during the change of teeth.

For example, you can provide your child with a beautiful milk tooth tin as a nice memento or reward them with a small gift, which of course does not come from you, but rather from the tooth fairy.