Although every child is unique, most kids go through certain developmental stages at similar times. For example, most start losing their primary teeth when they’re about 6 years old, and usually the front upper ones are the first to go.
But your child might not understand why their teeth feel loose, or they might feel anxious about the process and what comes next. Continue reading to learn about 3 ways you can help soothe their frayed nerves through this transitional dental period!
Tip #1: Read a Story
People tend to feel scared when they’re experiencing something they don’t understand, and children are no exception. If your kid seems distraught over wobbly teeth, it might help to explain what is happening to them and why.
If you’re struggling to find the right words, you might try reading a story instead. There are plenty of picture books that focus on handling loose or lost teeth that can help your little one understand that it’s a natural part of the growing process and that there’s nothing to fear. For instance, Llama Llama Loses a Tooth by Anna Dewdney and Pete the Cat and the Lost Tooth by James Dean both feature a favorite character going through it themselves.
Tip #2: Address Discomfort
Although losing their baby teeth is a natural stage of your child’s development, it can still cause aches or irritation. If your kid expresses distress or seems to be in pain, you can help by offering softer, milder foods that are less likely to cause discomfort. Popular options might include yogurt, oatmeal, applesauce, mashed potatoes, or pudding.
You might also apply a cold compress for temporary numbing or give the recommended dose of an over-the-counter medication, such as children’s acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
Tip #3: Make it Fun
Plenty of parents help their child feel excited instead of afraid about losing their teeth by introducing the concept of the tooth fairy. Storing their lost tooth under their pillow and exchanging it for a coin overnight can put a magical spin on an otherwise distressing experience.
This also allows you to incorporate details that can enhance your child’s experience. For instance, you can build a small “tooth box” together to safely hold their pearly white until they’re taken away. You can also leave behind a paper receipt for their tooth with pertinent information, like the date they lost it, how old they were, and the condition of the tooth, for them to store with their keepsakes.
If you’ve tried all these techniques and your child is still anxious about losing teeth, your family dentist might have additional tips to try!
About the Practice
At Tylan Creek Family Dentistry, patients of all ages benefit from a team of providers passionate about helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. They share decades of combined experience and today collaborate to offer a complete menu of services, including children’s dentistry, to meet your unique needs. Their caring approach is paired with advanced technology to deliver more comfortable, accurate results that last. You can request an appointment on the website or by calling one of the conveniently located offices near you!