I remember when I was a little girl and so scared of having a loose tooth. I would let them hang there until they basically fell out. My Mom didn’t know what to do with me. She didn’t want to scare me more than I already was, but she also thought it was a bad idea to let me walk around with a tooth hanging out of my mouth!
(Before we go on: you must check out the tooth fairy kit! You’re going to want this!)
“My child has a loose tooth! Now what?” I heard a Mom ask that question the other day and I’ve been thinking about it since then. My son is at the age now where I’d better know what to do, so I decided to research it for myself – and for any of you who, like me, aren’t exactly sure. (affiliate links included)
My Child Has a Loose Tooth – Now What?
1. When do kids start losing their baby teeth? Typically your child will start to lose their primary (baby) teeth when they are 6 to 7 years old, although it can happen sooner.
2. The two bottom teeth in the center are usually the first to go. Those were probably the first two teeth your baby cut and they’ll be the first to go.
3. The two center top teeth are the next. That snaggle-toothed look is so cute!
4. Girls tend to start to lose their baby teeth before boys. Dentists don’t actually know why, but I think it’s because girls seem to do EVERYTHING first. 🙂
5. Parents shouldn’t yank the tooth out. Experts say it’s just not necessary and there is no need to scare your child.
6. Let your child wiggle it if they want. It gives them control over what’s happening and allows them to ease into the idea that their tooth is on its way out.
7. Make sure your child is gently brushing his or her teeth, especially at the gum line of the loose tooth. That will help it come out.
8. When a baby tooth falls out naturally, it won’t bleed very much at all. You can expect the tooth will probably fall out when they are brushing their teeth, or eating, or wiggling it around with their tongue or finger.
9. If the loose tooth hangs on and you’re worried that it doesn’t seem to ever get loose enough to fall out, give your dentist a call. (That probably won’t happen, so no need to worry. Just give it time.)
10. When your kiddo has a loose tooth, start talking about how exciting it is! Play up the fact that they are getting rid of their “baby” teeth to make room for “grown up” teeth. Talk about the tooth fairy and tell them what they can expect. Ask them if any of their friends are missing their baby teeth, too.
So that’s not so hard, right? We can do this! Although my son’s teeth aren’t loose just yet, I’m going to do my best right now to make sure he’s looking forward to it and isn’t scared like I was.
As soon as he begins that wiggle, I’m going to make sure I get video of it, and take plenty of pictures. (That’s for me, though. These milestones always pluck at my heart strings.)
In the meantime, I’m getting my tooth fairy game plan all set. My Mom told me that the tooth fairy needed baby teeth to make fairy dust, so every time the tooth fairy visited I’d wake up to a little white glitter on my pillow. I haven’t yet decided what our story will be, but it’s going to be fun deciding.
Liz is a just a mom trying to keep it real about how little she sleeps, how often she gets puked on and how much she loves them. You can find her here every day writing about real-mom moments.
dental says
Very nice information! I already know many things about the teeth but in this content i got some some points. That are really informative .
Angelique says
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Carmel Dental Care says
Great read! My child just lost his tooth so this is really helpful. Will definitely keep these in mind! Question, how often should I bring my child to the dentist?
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Robin says
If your child has a loose tooth, it’s a natural part of their dental development. Encourage gentle wiggling to allow it to come out naturally. If discomfort arises, consult a dentist for guidance. Healthy oral hygiene practices will support a smooth transition for their growing smile. Childrens Dentist