Around the age of 4 to 6, your child will likely lose their first primary tooth. As a parent, nothing is more exciting than a wiggly tooth; however, it can be a scary experience for your child. Although they might anticipate putting it underneath their pillow for the tooth fairy, waiting for the tooth to fall out can cause anxiety. Thankfully, it doesn’t need to be a traumatic experience. Here are 4 tips from your pediatric dentist in Northampton to make it less scary.
Tips for Losing Primary Teeth
Your child’s primary teeth are only in place for a few years, but they are crucial to their oral health and development. They allow your child to establish the proper oral functions necessary for eating and speaking. They also act as placeholders for the adult teeth.
Every child loses their initial tooth at a different age, but it’s usually when they reach kindergarten or first grade. They will likely lose their teeth in the same order they erupted through the gum tissue. If your child is a bit apprehensive about a tooth falling out, you can make is a stress-free experience by following a few tips:
- Keep It Friendly
Your child will have several questions about losing their first tooth. It’s best to engage in a friendly conversation with them, keeping it positive by answering any concerns without instilling fear.
- Play Up the Tooth Fairy
If the tooth fairy will be visiting your home, tell exciting stories about the legend. The magic of the tooth fairy will help build anticipation for the first time they place a tooth under their pillow at night.
- Celebrate the Milestone
Every time a tooth is lost, celebrate the milestone. Your child will share in your excitement. You can even use the time to create a new tradition, like going out for ice cream or writing the tooth fairy a letter.
- Explain Things Completely
It’s easy for children to have misconceptions about tooth loss, like that it’s painful. You don’t want myths and false beliefs to make the special event a negative memory. Instead, take the time to explain the process, so they aren’t anxious about what lies ahead.
Your child losing their first tooth can be exciting, but there are times when there can be some worries, like whether it is taking too long for a tooth to fall out. If you have a concern about your child’s primary teeth, don’t wait to contact their dentist. They will perform a comprehensive consultation to ensure your child’s oral development is on track.
About Northampton Pediatric Dentistry
Northampton Pediatric Dentistry strives to create beautiful smiles through all stages of oral development. Our team specializes in pediatric dentistry to be by your child’s side from the time their first tooth erupts until long after they’ve received all their permanent teeth. If you have any questions about them losing a tooth, a member of our team is only a phone call away. Contact our office today to help ease any apprehensions.
