Around the age of five or six, children will begin losing their baby teeth. The first loose tooth is always an exciting time, but it’s understandable for children to be a little anxious when it happens, as it can be uncomfortable.

As a parent, this experience can also be worrisome (especially if you’re a first time parent)!

Here are a couple of tips to make sure that the transition is as easy as possible for both you and your child. Our goal is to make sure that their teeth come out safely and provide an overall good experience.

Prevent fiddling: A loose tooth might take time to fall out. Encourage that they leave the tooth alone... this might be a challenge! If it helps, try explaining to them that allowing their tooth to fall out without help usually means that there will be minimal blood and pain. Attempting to pull out or fiddle with a loose tooth before it’s ready to come out can result in unnecessary pain, as the roots will be sensitive.
Oral hygiene: It’s important children continue to keep up with their oral hygiene, including brushing and flossing, even when a tooth is loose or missing. It can feel a little unusual to brush a loose tooth or to work around a gap, but it’s crucial! If your child needs help navigating, now might be a good time to step back in to show them the ropes! At their next appointment we’re also happy to help show them how to brush and floss with loose or missing teeth.
Dealing with blood: A little blood is normal when there’s a loose tooth, even if it falls out by itself. Some children might be startled by the sight of blood but try to reassure them that the blood will go away when it’s healed. Encourage them to rinse their mouth out with cool water and spit into the sink.
Cold packs: If your child develops mouth soreness as a result of a loose tooth or empty socket, you might consider using a cold compressor like an ice pack. In most case the cold will help dull the pain, but you might consider Children’s Tylenol or other appropriate pain-relieving medication if the pain doesn’t subside.
Talk rewards: Some parents recognize the tooth fairy, others try out a more direct method of reward like a cool treat. The reward is meant to bring added positivity to the experience of losing a tooth, and hopefully encourage a positive outlook on the upcoming loose teeth they’re going to have.

If you do decide to recognize the tooth fairy, here’s a link to download a lost tooth certificate! A memorable keepsake for you and your child: click here

Need more tips for how to handle loose teeth with your kids? Call us (337) 369-7654