Losing a tooth can be both exciting and nerve-wracking as a child. For one thing, they can look forward to a little spending money from the tooth fairy. On the other, their teeth are falling out and they’ll be left with a gap. Fortunately, these incidents tend to not require a trip to the dentist and can easily be dealt with at home. Here’s a closer look at what you should do immediately following the loss of their first tooth. 

3 Steps to Take When Your Child Loses a Tooth

1. Remain Calm

Choosing to be relaxed during the extraction will help them to do the same. If they're upset or nervous, reassure them that they’re doing a good job and encourage them to take deep breaths. Crack a joke or tell them about a time that you lost a tooth to get their mind off of what’s happening. 

Use a paper towel to increase your grip, and have a zip-close bag handy. This will provide a safe place to keep the tooth until it’s time to put it under the pillow for the tooth fairy. 

2. Clean the Area

There may be a little blood after the tooth comes out, so have your child rinse with water to clean out the area. Make sure they keep up with brushing their teeth, but they should be gentle around the gap for a little while as the grown-up tooth pushes its way in. Have them rinse with an antibacterial mouthwash to preserve the health of their gums and lower the risk of infection. 

3. Visit Their Dentist

Scheduling a visit to the dentist will ensure that they keep an eye on your child's progression. They’ll check that the new tooth is growing in straight and offer recommendations on how to best care for it. If it appears a bit crooked, they can catch it early and determine when might be best to consider further treatment.

For several years, Carolyn B. Crowell, DMD, & Associates has been providing quality dental care to residents throughout Avon, OH, and the surrounding region. These dentists commit to upholding the guidelines of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry and use kid-friendly language to maintain a welcoming environment. They offer everything from routine checkups to in-depth orthodontics, so call (440) 934-0149 to schedule your next appointment. Visit their website for additional information on their services.