Once your child reaches age six or so, they’ll start losing some of their baby teeth. It’s nothing to worry about – just a harmless process that makes room for their future adult smile. Even so, what if your little one fears the thought of tooth loss? Your Naperville pediatric dentist has that issue covered, so you don’t need to panic. Just keep reading to learn ways to make losing teeth less scary for kids.
Explain Things Calmly
To help your child handle tooth loss, explain it calmly to them. They should feel less frightened once they grasp how it works.
Remember, kids can have misconceptions about lost teeth. They may worry that a tooth falling out feels painful, leaves a permanent smile gap, etc. Given that fact, explaining that losing baby teeth is natural and pain-free can ease their fears. They’ll then feel more assured and ready for the situation.
Make Lost Teeth a Milestone
Switching one emotion with another is easier than you’d think. So, replace your child’s fear with excitement by making lost teeth a milestone.
Young children are rather impressionable by nature. If you celebrate their lost teeth, they’ll often share in your emotions and feel just as elated. Your reaction will show them that losing a baby tooth is a good thing, proof of one’s growing up. You can reduce the fear further by taking your child out for ice cream or a movie as a pick-me-up.
Invoke the “Tooth Fairy”
If you aren’t against white lies, try easing your child’s worries by telling them about the “tooth fairy.” This legend would most likely inspire their imagination.
Even today, most kids find the tooth fairy exciting and mysterious. That a magical being will leave money for their lost teeth can strike them as wondrously amazing. That being the case, try buying a picture book about the tooth fairy and read it before your tyke’s bedtime. Your child will find the thought of losing a tooth more magical before you know it.
See the Local Dentist
Not all baby teeth are lost smoothly. If your child is afraid after knocking one out, address their fear (and their injury) by taking them to a pediatric dentist.
It’s quite simple enough for kids to lose teeth due to trauma. They might trip and fall, suffer a sports injury – the list goes on. However, getting help from a trained dentist should calm them down. Knowing a trained adult will keep them safe is enough to settle frayed nerves.
For other ways to make losing teeth less scary, consult your pediatric dental provider. They’ll gladly offer some more tips and tricks!
About the Practice
Tic Tac Tooth Pediatric Dentistry is based in Naperville, IL. Led by Drs. Jiana, Asim, and Sarah, our practice is eager to help your child’s smile thrive. We thus offer high-quality, kid-friendly dentistry that includes preventive, cosmetic, and even restorative options. At the same time, our office can always provide your little one with emergency oral care and dental sedation. For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (630)-995-3393.