A loose tooth can be exciting for kids looking forward to the Tooth Fairy’s visit. It can also make kids nervous about what’s to come. As a parent, you want to help them overcome this sense of dread, but what can you do? How can you turn their worry into wonder? Here are some ways to celebrate this milestone and make it enjoyable for everyone.
Tell Them About the Tooth Fairy
If your family enjoys a good tradition, let your kids in on a little secret. Tell them that when they lose a baby tooth, the Tooth Fairy will come, retrieve it and leave something special behind. Whether she tucks a note or money under their pillow, it will be there for them to find when they wake up! This eases the fear of saying goodbye to the tooth and shifts the focus to an exciting gift they’ll receive when it comes out.
Offer Reassurance
If you’re nervous, your child probably is, too. Losing baby teeth is a normal part of life that everyone experiences. You can reassure your child that there’s nothing scary about the process. Sharing your own childhood experience and explaining what’s happening in age-appropriate terms can ease any anxiety they might have.
Help Them Feel More Comfortable
If your child is scared about losing a tooth, they likely won’t let anyone get near it, especially if it’s causing some discomfort. Help address it by applying a cold compress to ease the swelling and having them eat some of their favorite soft foods. This temporarily numbs the pain and helps them stay comfortable.
Find Ways to Wiggle the Tooth
Not all baby teeth come out easily; some are more stubborn than others. If it seems to be hanging on by a thread, encourage your child to gently wiggle it with their tongue or fingers. Make sure their hands are clean first. In many cases, the tooth will detach quickly, causing minimal discomfort, if any.
Whatever you do, don’t force it out with any unique tooth-pulling trick. This will only heighten your child’s fears and potentially cause more problems.
The more you talk about losing baby teeth, the less scary it will be for your child. With each one they say goodbye to, they’ll quickly learn there’s nothing to fear. Instead, it’s an exciting time as they watch their permanent teeth grow in, giving them the confident, healthy smile they love.
About the Author
Dr. Magda Gaul, or Dr. G, is a board-certified general dentist who earned her Doctor of General Dentistry degree before enlisting in the U.S. Navy for 18 months. After moving from Colombia to the U.S., she earned a Master of Public Health. Today, she treats young patients at different stages of life. In addition to providing superior treatment, she offers parents practical tips for saying goodbye to baby teeth. Visit our website or call (603) 880–5002 to schedule an appointment if you have questions about how to ease your child’s anxiety.