The tooth change is an exciting time for your child and places special demands on dental care. Find out how you can best support your child during this phase and which products are best suited to keep the new teeth healthy and strong.
Tooth change: When does the tooth change in children take place?
The permanent teeth mature in the jaw even before birth and break through gradually. The baby teeth dissolve, fall out painlessly and without roots. The permanent teeth then take their place. The first wobbly tooth often appears at school-starting age, at around six or seven years, but can also occur as early as four years or as late as eight. No need to worry if it happens a little earlier or later.
In three phases from baby teeth to permanent teeth
Typically, the tooth change takes place in three phases that extend over several years. During this time, the dentition consists of both baby teeth and permanent teeth, known as the early (Phase 1) and late (Phase 2) mixed dentition.
First Phase: Incisors & large molars
Starting at around age 6, the front teeth in the upper and lower jaw begin to loosen, leading to the typical gap that is filled by the permanent incisors. During this phase, the first molars (six-year molars) also erupt — they do not replace any baby teeth but instead line up at the end of the dental arch and stabilize the remaining teeth.
Second Phase: Canines & molars
In the second phase (approx. 9 to 12 years), the small molars and canines are replaced by permanent teeth starting at around age nine. At the same time, the large molars, the 12-year molars, erupt at the back of the jaw, bringing the total number of teeth to 28.
Third Phase: Wisdom teeth
Wisdom teeth, also known as third molars, often don't erupt until age 25 or later — and in some people, they never erupt at all. They frequently need to be removed, as they can crowd other teeth or grow in at an angle. It is advisable to consult a dentist or orthodontist early on to determine whether removal is necessary.
Did you know?
Children have 20 baby teeth. During the tooth change, each one is replaced by a permanent tooth, and eight additional molars are added. After the eruption of up to four wisdom teeth, the set of teeth is complete with 32 teeth in early adulthood.
Dental Care Products: Dental care for baby teeth and mixed dentition
Dental care for baby teeth
From around age two, your child can brush their teeth with your support. By elementary school age, they can manage it on their own. A cavity-free set of baby teeth is essential for healthy permanent teeth. Pay attention to the correct brushing technique and use age-appropriate toothpaste. The KINDER KAREX Toothpaste with BioHAP strengthens tooth enamel, protects against cavities, and is safe from the first tooth onward.
Dental care for mixed dentition
Permanent teeth are more resilient than baby teeth, but harder to care for, as they sit closely together in a small jaw. The fissures on the chewing surfaces present an additional challenge. To prevent cavities, thorough yet gentle teeth cleaning is essential. A special toothpaste for older children, such as JUNIOR KAREX Toothpaste with BioHAP, offers optimal protection.
Dental care with braces
During the tooth change and orthodontic treatment, the teeth require particularly thorough care. Fixed braces promote the buildup of plaque around the brackets, which is difficult to remove. The KAREX Tooth Protection Gel with high-dose BioHAP provides additional protection against cavities. Furthermore, the calcium present supports the remineralization of affected areas.
Wobbly tooth & new teeth: How do I explain it to my child?
The first loose tooth is something special for your child. Make the tooth change a positive experience with the story of the tooth fairy and gift ideas such as a small wooden tooth box for the baby teeth or a picture book about the tooth mouse, the tooth change, or brushing teeth.
Tip: Tell your child that they can now use "toothpaste for big kids" like the JUNIOR KAREX! This makes them feel more grown-up, motivates them to brush their teeth, and associates the tooth change with a positive feeling!
Everday tips: Tips for mixed dentition
Additionally, exchange experiences with other parents who have already been through the tooth change. Your dentist will guide you through all phases of the tooth change.
Regular and thorough tooth brushing is essential against cavities, whether for baby teeth, mixed dentition, or permanent teeth. Brushing twice a day for two minutes is ideal.
Feel free to wiggle the loose tooth with your hand or tongue. This helps the baby tooth come out more easily.
Inflamed spots can occur during the tooth change. Show your child how to brush these gently and keep an eye on the affected teeth. If the condition worsens, visit the dentist.
Visit an orthodontist after the first phase of the tooth change at around age eight. They can check whether there is crowding or misalignment in the mixed dentition that could affect further tooth eruption.
A misalignment of the baby teeth does not automatically mean that the permanent teeth will grow in crooked. It is therefore important not to disrupt the natural process of the loose tooth by pulling it out prematurely, so that the incoming teeth have enough space.
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