How Do Baby Teeth Fall Out?
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Introduction
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A natural part of a child growing and developing is the growth and loss of baby teeth, also referred to as primary teeth. Baby teeth are an important part of dental development. For this reason, if a tooth falls out before it is ready, or if it is knocked out, an artificial spacer must replace it to keep the other teeth from expanding and growing in its place. Baby teeth are like space savers, keeping the space where adult teeth are to eventually grow free of other growth until permanent teeth are able to develop and burst through the gums.
Time Span
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Baby teeth usually come in between 4 and 7 months of age. This can be a painful process, but is necessary for future dental health. As the child hits about age 5 (sometimes sooner for girls) the new adult teeth begin to develop below the baby teeth, signaling that it is time for the primary teeth to fall out.
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How it Happens
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As the adult teeth become ready to poke through the gums, the body sends a signal to the gums that causes the roots of the baby teeth to dissolve. Once the roots begin to dissolve, the teeth become loose. At this point, the baby tooth either falls out on its own, or it becomes loose enough to where the child or parent is able to wiggle and eventually pull out the tooth because the roots are no longer strong enough to hold it in place. The developing tooth beneath may also help dislodge the baby tooth from the gums as it develops.
Replacement
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Since the adult tooth is waiting underneath the baby teeth, it only takes a few weeks before the adult tooth breaks through the gum surface and takes its permanent place in the mouth. This process will continue until all the baby teeth have fallen out and are replace with permanent adult teeth.
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Resources
- Photo Credit dentalhealthscience.com
