For some kids, losing a baby tooth is an exciting rite of passage that means they’re growing up. Not only do they get a cool story to tell their friends at school, but they look forward to finding money under their pillow. However, there are children who are absolutely terrified at the idea of losing a tooth. While that’s not an unusual reaction, you can make the entire process less anxiety-inducing with a few tips. Continue reading to learn five ways you can make losing baby teeth more fun for your little one!
Know When to Expect It
Before you can help your child feel more relaxed about losing baby teeth, you should feel confident about the process yourself. It’s a good idea to learn when you can expect your child to start feeling a loose baby tooth. If you want to feel more prepared, here are some general timeframes to keep in mind:
- Front upper and lower teeth, ages 6-7
- Upper and lower incisors, ages 7-8
- Upper and lower first molars and canines, ages 9-11
- Upper and lower second molars and upper canines, ages 10-12
Play Up the Tooth Fairy
Every child knows about the tooth fairy! It’s an age-old tradition that dates back to medieval Europe, infusing some childhood magic into losing baby teeth. If your child is afraid of losing a tooth, you could get a picture book about the story of the tooth fairy and read it to your little one before bedtime.
Explain Things Fully
Children have several misconceptions about losing baby teeth. Maybe they heard from their classmates that losing a tooth hurts, or that it’ll never grow back. You can help them overcome any fears they’ve developed by explaining the entire process, including how adult teeth will be in before they know it.
Read Books or Watch Cartoons About Baby Teeth
You can find multiple resources online that teach children what to expect from losing baby teeth. Reading books or watching cartoons can help them see how even their favorite characters go through the same process. It’ll demystify the experience and make it more fun!
Celebrate It as a Milestone
One way to get your child excited about losing baby teeth is by celebrating it! As the tooth gets closer to falling out, you can talk about it positively and plan a small reward for them once it happens. For example, you can have an outing to the park or movies, make their favorite meal, or give them a small toy. These will help them associate the experience with positive feelings and good memories.
Losing baby teeth does not have to be scary for your little one. With these tips, you can get them excited about this natural part of growing up!
About the Practice
At Kids Dental Space, we offer friendly, compassionate, and high-quality services to help young smiles thrive. Our team will always go the extra mile to make your child feel safe and at ease throughout their entire appointment. For more ways to make losing baby teeth more fun, visit our website or call (443) 241-7575.