Time for the Tooth Fairy: 2 Ways You Can Support a Child During Tooth Loss

Dentist Blog

Having a child is a beautiful experience. Seeing a newborn baby, something which appears to be nothing more than a very cute pink blob, grow into a little person is a fascinating thing. As your child grows and develops, they will reach certain milestones, such as their first steps and their first word and a few years later, their first day at school! This article will focus on another important milestone in your child's life, losing their first teeth. Children tend to begin losing their milk teeth between the age of 6 and 7. Below is a guide which will help you to support your child as they go through this experience.

Tell your child not to force the tooth free

The time at which a child discovers they have a loose tooth also tends to be the time they discover the tooth fairy, that magical being which leaves a monetary reward in exchange for children's teeth. In an attempt to cash in, your child may be tempted to try and force the tooth out by wiggling it backwards and forwards using their tongue and pulling on it with their fingers. It is very important that you take steps to discourage them from doing this. You should explain that wiggling or pulling on a loose tooth could hurt their gums. If your child persists in messing around with their loose tooth, you could consider telling them that if they do not stop, they will damage the loose tooth and that the tooth fairy will be cross with them.

Monitor your child for signs of pain

Even if your child does not wiggle the loose tooth around in an attempt to extract it themselves, the process of a tooth falling out can cause some discomfort. You should monitor your child for signs that their gum is hurting. You may notice that your child holds their face near the site of the loose tooth. They may also struggle to chew food due to pain. Thankfully, there is a range of gels available which are antiseptic and have an anti-inflammatory action. If the pain persists, you should book your child an appointment with a dentist. The dentist will perform a routine checkup to make sure that the area around the wobbly tooth is not infected. If an infection has developed, the dentist may prescribe antibiotics to combat it.

If you would like further advice, you should contact your local dental clinic today.

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26 January 2018

Dental Emergencies and Kids

As a mother, I've seen my kids' faces light up after they've lost a tooth – oh, the excitement they feel about getting their grown up teeth! However, I've also seen my kids become extremely scared and anxious after having an adult tooth knocked out. If you're a mom or a dad with a busy kid, chances are you might see a tooth knocked out in a skateboarding accident or a sport pile-up. This blog is dedicated to those moments when you could lose your wits, and it's here to ensure you don't. I am collecting and curating the best information about kids and dental emergencies here so that you will have it when you need it. Best of luck with your kids' smiles!