Don’t Forget to Celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day!
There is nothing quite as exciting to a child as losing a tooth! The excitement reaches a fever pitch when your child wakes up to find a gift from the Tooth Fairy under his or her pillow!
National Tooth Fairy Day is August 22 and you have permission to let your creative side run amok and relive the fun and folklore from your childhood! This celebration provides a good opportunity to talk to your children about how to take care of their teeth. Granted, it’s fun to lose those baby teeth, but with proper oral care they can keep their permanent teeth for a lifetime.
Although the tooth fairy is a mythical entity, children have celebrated the loss of their baby teeth with this imaginary friend for hundreds of years.
Losing a tooth is a natural part of growing up, but for some young children, there can be an element of fear in losing a tooth, especially if it is painful. The idea of the tooth fairy may help to ease the anxiety, knowing she comes bringing gifts.
Lost Tooth Club
Kindergarteners to Third Graders often enjoy being part of a “Lost Tooth Club”. Losing a tooth is a big deal for these young children, and it’s worth your time to celebrate with them and make memories in the process.
Although the celebration of losing baby teeth is a fun tradition take the time to talk to your children about:
- Proper brushing techniques and brushing twice a day for two minutes each time.
- Flossing once a day with the proper flossing method.
- Good nutrition to strengthen their bodies and teeth.
When Do Children Lose Their Baby Teeth?
Most children lose their first tooth at age 5 or 6, but for each child it is different. It can happen as early as 4 years-old or as late as 8 years-old. Children who got their baby teeth early usually lose them early. It takes a few weeks from the time a tooth starts feeling loose until the time it falls out. Most teeth fall out on their own from biting down on something, or having the tooth get stuck in crunchy foods.
If your child has not lost any teeth by seven years-old, make an appointment with Dr. Angela S. Evanson, DDS. She will examine your child’s mouth to make sure that all the permanent teeth are under the gumline.
Is it Okay to Pull Out a Loose Tooth?
Loose teeth can hang on for weeks, making it painful to eat or causing anxiety because it feels weird. Your child can wiggle the tooth to help it along. If it’s quite loose, use a tissue and try to rotate the tooth. If the root is gone, you can easily pull it out, but don’t force it. Although popularized in movies, never tie it to a string and yank; if the root is only partially dissolved, it could break and become infected.
Is Tooth Pain Common After Losing a Tooth?
Losing a baby tooth is typically painless, but if it’s been loose for a while, the edge of the tooth could cut the gums and he may need to wiggle it more aggressively. While baby teeth are falling out, six-year molars are erupting and their gums can be sore. Like teething babies, ibuprofen, and soft foods can help ease the pain.
Gap-toothed smiles are a sign that your child is growing up! Call the tooth fairy and celebrate! Also call Dr. Evanson at (720) 409-0008 or contact her online to assure that your children are on track with their new permanent teeth.
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