Getting Ready For A Tooth Fairy Visit: Should You Pull Your Child's First Loose Tooth?
It is another sign of growing up when your child loses their first tooth. Children normally start to lose their baby teeth from the age six, and the process of growing in all their permanent teeth will continue until they get their wisdom teeth between 17 and 21. There are a number of things you can do to help prepare your child for the loss of their teeth, but one thing you must be very careful not to do is to pull out the tooth before it is ready. Here's how to get ready for the first visit from the Tooth Fairy.
Explain What Is Going To Happen To Your Child
A child's biggest fear is the fear of the unknown, and once the first tooth becomes loose, fear levels could rise. Just like all their other firsts, your child does not understand what is going on in their mouth until you explain it to them.
One of the first things a child should be taught is why the baby teeth need to come out. Explain about how permanent teeth work and how they will push the baby teeth out of their mouths over time. Use the Tooth Fairy story to get your child excited about the exchange of their tooth for cash or treats, and let your children know that they do not need to be afraid when they realise they have a loose tooth.
Should You Pull Out A Loose Tooth?
It is natural you want to help remove a tooth once it becomes loose, but there are two main reasons why you should not interfere in the process. Firstly, you are not physically experiencing the pain that comes when a tooth is not quite ready to go. During these developmental years, it is important your child does not develop a fear of dental processes or procedures. A bad tooth pulling experience now could lead to a fear of all dental procedures later in life.
Secondly, if you break the tooth while it is being pulled, this can lead to both pain and infection. A broken tooth needs a visit to the dentist as soon as possible so any damage can be minimised. If your child wants the tooth pulled because they have a fear of swallowing it, reassure them that if this did happen, it is not harmful to them at all. It will eventually pass through the body without any pain before felt.
The first Tooth Fairy visit is an important milestone in a child's life, so make sure it is a positive experience for them. However, when they wiggle their loose tooth teasingly at you, resist the urge to pull it out and sit on your hands instead.
For more information, talk to a professional like those at Woodvale Dental Surgery.