Let's Celebrate Tooth Fairy Day! Learn More About Losing Baby Teeth

Did you know that Tooth Fairy Day is celebrated twice a year on February 28th and August 22nd? It is believed that a tooth fairy will come at night to collect baby teeth that have fallen out and leave a gold coin in its place. Losing baby or primary teeth can be an exciting, but sometimes daunting, milestone for both you and your child but it is an inevitable part of growing up.

We at Kaydental Kids are here to help you celebrate this growth and guide you and your child through this exciting stage in their growth and development!

When do children start losing their baby teeth?

Most kids start to lose their baby teeth at age five or six, and it normally takes five to seven years for all the baby teeth to be replaced by permanent teeth. The chart below, courtesy of the Canadian Dental Association, shows the order and approximate age when baby teeth will be replaced by permanent teeth as children grow up. Kids who got their baby teeth early tend to lose them early, starting around age 4. The same goes for kids who got their baby teeth late, who will often start to lose them late at around age 8.

What to do when a tooth becomes loose

For most children, a tooth will feel slightly wiggly for a couple of weeks before it starts to fall out, getting looser and looser over time. While it is natural for your child to want to wiggle the loose tooth, it is not advisable to pull out a tooth too early. Pulling it out too early can cause bleeding and pain, and may lead to an infection.

When a tooth is extremely loose and ready to come out, you can use a piece of sterile gauze, place it over the loose tooth and gently squeeze it. It should fall out without any trouble. If the tooth is not ready to come out, wait a few days before trying again. If there is significant blood or the blood flow doesn't stop after a couple of minutes, keep the gauze on the socket and call your children's dentist immediately. If your child balks at you removing the loose tooth and it is bothering them, don't hesitate to contact our office for guidance or a brief appointment.

What to do after a tooth falls out

Oral health care should start as soon as the first baby tooth erupts in your child's mouth, and continue for the rest of their life. The first dental visit by age 1 is the beginning of that journey and the time at which positive attitudes to the dentist begin. Once your child starts to lose their baby teeth and the permanent teeth begin to erupt, it is more important than ever to reinforce the importance of oral care and keep up with regular dental visits.

As well,

• encourage and remind your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day and assist them in doing so until you are confident that their brushing is effective.
• ask us for guidance on the best toothpaste to use for your child.
• help your child floss between their teeth daily.
• limit sugary or unhealthy snacks. (You may want to give your child soft foods on days when they lose their baby teeth).
• make sure their permanent teeth are erupting properly by maintaining regular dental visits.

Our team at Kaydental Kids is always here to answer your questions and guide you and your children through this exciting stage in their life! Schedule an appointment with us today for a check-up - we look forward to seeing you!

Sources:

• Canadian Dental Association: http://www.cda-adc.ca/en/oral_health/cfyt/dental_care_children/development.asp
• Colgate: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/what-you-should-know-about-your-child-losing-baby-teeth