Making Loose Teeth Fun for Kids
Do you remember hearing tales of the tooth fairy? Did you excitedly hide your tooth under your pillow at night, only to wake up with a coin for your troubles?
There are many ways that we can make the tooth-losing experience fun for kids. While loose teeth can sometimes be bothersome or painful, the process is a natural transition that can help adult teeth grow in stronger and faster. At Samaritan Dental, we offer special and preventative care for kids.
If your little one is struggling with a wiggling tooth, here are a few ways that you can make it a fun and positive experience for them. For more about pediatric dentistry in downtown LA, visit Samaritan Dental today!
Wait to Pull The Tooth
Some kids might be tempted to pull a loose tooth on their own. When it’s wiggling in their mouth, it might start to get bothersome. However, teach your child that it is not always best to pull it out right away. Colgate explains that the roots of the baby teeth need time to dissolve before they can come out.
So, how can you make waiting fun?
Make A Memory Book
Children are often very excited to lose their first tooth. Help them turn this experience into a lifelong memory by working with them to craft a tooth fairy memory book. Use colored paper, sticks, glue, little pockets to store the teeth, and anything else you think they might enjoy.
You can even use this Amazon tooth very coin collection book as a template!
Play A Game
When in doubt, make a game out of it! Encourage your kids to mark down each day on the calendar that they have the loose tooth, working all the way up to the day it finally comes out. If they’re able to make it all the way, promise them a fun prize at the end!
This prize can be a trip to their favorite ice cream place, an hour with their favorite cartoon, or even an adorable tooth-shaped plushie.
Share With The Class
Does your child have a show-and-tell coming up? They can make a presentation about the experience of having a loose tooth. Their classmates will love learning about what to expect, how much the tooth wiggles, and how long they must wait for it to fall out.
This can turn into an excellent class project as well. If you have multiple kids, or if you teach a classroom, you can have them all make their own personal projects about losing their teeth. At this crucial age, kids are ready and willing to learn about the changes that are soon to come.
Read Books
Lots of children’s books have been written on the subject of losing a tooth. If your child needs a role model to feel comfort from – even if it’s fictional – try browsing the shelves of your local bookstore for some kid-friendly tooth stories. You can even search online for these fun and educational books. This will reassure them that everything they’re going through is natural and expected.
Most children aren’t afraid of this process. It can be an exciting, fascinating change, one that they look forward to with anticipation. Just be sure that they know not to pull the wiggling tooth out immediately – it can cause damage!
Pediatric Dentistry in Los Angeles
When your child is dealing with a loose tooth, you may want to visit your pediatric dentist in downtown LA to ensure that everything is going smoothly. In most cases, the tooth will wiggle its way out on its own, without anybody needing to force a pull. Our certified staff members and Dr. Alan Zabolian, DDS, can reassure you and your child that you are on the right path to growth and health.
For more information about the tooth-losing process, and for more ways to engage with your child in this exciting memory, contact us online or give us a call at (213) 986-2933. We look forward to working with you!