Losing your first tooth (something we all do) can be scary for children, and parents too! Most children begin losing teeth around age 6, although age can vary by child. While not usually very painful, it can be uncomfortable.
Contacting a family dentist and establishing a relationship with them long before the first loose tooth can soothe a lot of the worry. Routine exams like x-rays can help your dentist predict a general timeline for teething, and discussing the coming changes with a trusted Naperville family dentist like Dr. Weyneth can turn a child’s trepidation into excitement about reaching a new milestone.
Establishing family traditions around losing teeth can help too. Special treats from parents (or perhaps a certain fairy?) can also help ease fears. When your child first feels a tooth begin to wiggle, encourage them to help the tooth root dissolve by wiggling it as much as they can. The more they wiggle, the faster the root will dissolve and the tooth will come out. Be patient, it can take days or weeks for a tooth to finally come out. Good normal hygiene routines should be maintained, such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.
Once they’ve wiggle, wiggle, wiggled the tooth out there may be some completely normal, slight bleeding and tenderness at the loss sight. Have your child gently rise with warm water once the tooth is out. They can also gently brush the site as it heals and the new tooth starts coming in. This is the perfect time to have your dentist or dental hygienist reinforce the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums. Letting your little one know that these are their “grown up” teeth and that they are going to keep them forever may help get them on board with regular brushing if they have been reluctant.
They should show the dentist “how we brush and floss” to be sure they’re doing it properly. The new tooth can take several months to grow completely in, but shouldn’t take more than six months. If the new tooth isn’t in after 6 months call your dentist. The cycle of losing baby teeth and growing new, adult teeth continues until they lose their second molars at around twelve years old. In that time they’ll get 20 baby teeth, lose them, and grow 32 adult teeth; and you (or someone) will get plenty of practice silently slipping coins under pillows in the dark.
If you would like to know more on how to help your child when they start losing teeth, or would like to schedule an appointment for you or your child contact Sherman Oaks today!