Losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up, marking an exciting time of change for kids. However, it can also be an unfamiliar experience for parents, with many feeling confused about how to care for the tooth and protect their child’s oral health. To guide you through it, here are a few do’s and don’ts to follow.

Do:

Explain what’s happening.

Explain to your child how baby teeth are supposed to fall out and get replaced by adult teeth. They should be prepared to feel some discomfort or notice minor bleeding, but these are normal symptoms and nothing to be afraid of. You can encourage them to think positively about the experience by talking about how much they’re growing and the perks of a visit from the Tooth Fairy.

Use a cold compress.

A loosened tooth and the empty socket it leaves behind can be sources of discomfort or pain. Typically, slight soreness only requires gentle pain relief. A cold compress can numb the affected area, while more persistent discomfort can be treated with a mild painkiller, like children’s Tylenol®.

Don’t:

Pull it out.

An old-fashioned and ill-advised belief is that a tooth should be pulled out when it’s sufficiently loose. However, if baby teeth aren’t loose enough to fall out on their own, yanking them out can damage their sensitive roots or cause unnecessary pain and bleeding. If a tooth is stubborn, encourage your child to continue wiggling it with their tongue until it’s ready to fall out naturally.

Neglect regular brushing and flossing.

Brushing and flossing may feel funny on a loose tooth, but your child still needs to keep up with those tasks. They should use a soft-bristled toothbrush to gently brush the loose tooth and floss around it. You may want to supervise them to ensure they’re brushing properly for at least two minutes in the morning and at night.

If your child has noticed their first loose tooth, count on Pedodontic Associates for compassionate care and advice. For more than 25 years, their pediatric dentists have provided routine cleanings, exams, and other dental care to kids throughout Oahu and Maui, HI. Find out more about their staff online. Call their Honolulu office at (808) 735-1733, their Aiea office at (808) 487-7933, or their Kahului office at (808) 877-0066 to schedule an appointment.