Most children lose their first tooth around age 6, but it can happen up to a year before or after that. Here at Kids Dental Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, Dr. Bosede Adeniji and our caring pediatric dentistry specialists understand that your child’s first tooth loss is a big event in both of your lives.
We believe that sharing knowledge is the best way to make the experience as smooth and easy as possible, so this February blog covers what you should do to get through this milestone without worry or stress.
Your child might have been wiggling their tooth frequently as it got looser and looser. But, they may still find it a surprise when their tooth actually falls out. While pulling a loose baby tooth gives you control over when it happens, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (AAPD) recommends against pulling loose baby teeth and letting them fall out naturally.
Most kids are excited, anxious, or a combination of the two when their tooth finally falls out. Either way, it’s important to reassure them that losing their baby teeth is completely normal. Explain that teeth can come out on their own when it’s time for adult teeth to grow in, and tell them it’s nothing to fear.
Immediately after your child’s tooth falls out, it’s normal to have some short-lived bleeding. Use clean gauze or a fresh washcloth to gently clean around the tooth socket, and have your child rinse their mouth with lukewarm water — ideally, a saltwater rinse.
Your child may initially feel a little discomfort within the tooth socket. You can apply an over-the-counter children’s tooth ointment and a cool compress to ease discomfort.
Usually, discomfort fades quickly, but if your child experiences continued discomfort, call our office and we can recommend other options, such as Children’s Tylenol® or ibuprofen for children, based on your child’s symptoms.
Now you know how to get through the first tooth loss — but what about all the ones yet to come? You can make sure that losing a tooth continues to be a smooth and easy process for your child by establishing a good dental care routine now. When you take good care of the baby teeth, the adult teeth can erupt on schedule and without complications.
We recommend brushing twice a day, two minutes each time. Teach your child to floss (you can explain it as “cleaning between the teeth”) once a day as well.
Of course, it’s also important to schedule teeth cleanings and checkups every six months. Our compassionate team dedicates plenty of time and effort to ensuring your child’s oral health is as good as it can be. In exams, we can spot problems early and keep your child on track for their incoming healthy adult teeth as they grow.
At Kids Dental Center, we’re here to help get you through every stage of your child’s development and ensure they grow up with a healthy smile. Connect with us online now or phone our office at 301-345-2881.
