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Losing your first tooth (something we all do) can be scary for children, and parents too! \u00a0Most children begin losing teeth around age 6, although age can vary by child. While not usually very painful, it can be uncomfortable. <\/span><\/p>\n Contacting a family dentist and establishing a relationship with them long before the first loose tooth can soothe a lot of the worry. Routine exams like x-rays can help your dentist predict a general timeline for teething, and discussing the coming changes with a trusted Naperville family dentist<\/a> like Dr. Weyneth can turn a child\u2019s trepidation into excitement about reaching a new milestone. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Establishing family traditions around losing teeth can help too. Special treats from parents (or perhaps a certain fairy?) can also help ease fears. When your child first feels a tooth begin to wiggle, encourage them to help the tooth root dissolve by wiggling it as much as they can. The more they wiggle, the faster the root will dissolve and the tooth will come out. \u00a0Be patient, it can take days or weeks for a tooth to finally come out. Good normal hygiene routines should be maintained, such as brushing at least twice a day and flossing once a day.<\/span><\/p>\n Once they\u2019ve wiggle, wiggle, wiggled the tooth out there may be some completely normal, slight bleeding and tenderness at the loss sight. Have your child gently rise with warm water once the tooth is out. \u00a0They can also gently brush the site as it heals and the new tooth starts coming in. This is the perfect time to have your dentist or dental hygienist reinforce the importance of taking care of your teeth and gums. Letting your little one know that these are their \u201cgrown up\u201d teeth and that they are going to keep them forever may help get them on board with regular brushing if they have been reluctant. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n They should show the dentist \u201chow we brush and floss\u201d to be sure they\u2019re doing it properly. The new tooth can take several months to grow completely in, but shouldn\u2019t take more than six months. If the new tooth isn\u2019t in after 6 months call your dentist. The cycle of losing baby teeth and growing new, adult teeth continues until they lose their second molars at around twelve years old. In that time they\u2019ll get 20 baby teeth, lose them, and grow 32 adult teeth; and you (or someone) will get plenty of practice silently slipping coins under pillows in the dark.<\/span><\/p>\n![\"\"](\"http:\/\/www.napervilledentistry.com\/blog\/assets\/uploads\/Depositphotos_54067579_s-2015-300x200.jpg\")
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