Losing baby teeth is a rite of passage and an exciting experience for your child. You can alleviate the anxiety they may feel and help them maintain healthy oral care habits by taking a few simple steps after the tooth falls out. If you notice a tooth is loose, keep the following dentist-approved tips handy for the day it comes out.

What Should You Do When Your Child Loses a Tooth?

1. Keep Them Excited

While losing a tooth is a relatively painless process, there can be a lot of blood. If your child seems anxious, distract them. Explain the importance of the milestone—it’s their first step toward becoming a “big kid.” Mention the tooth fairy, so they have something to look forward to, and talk about friends who may have lost a tooth. Some children can be self-conscious about the gap. By reminding them they’re not alone, you can prevent any negative feelings about tooth loss.

2. Wash the Area

The empty socket is sensitive to bacteria, especially when bleeding, so clean up right away. Wash your child’s hands thoroughly and have them press a warm washcloth softly against their gums to control the bleeding. They can also swish warm water around and spit to clear their mouth. Remind them to continue washing their hands throughout the day and to never touch their gums, as they may introduce bacteria that causes an infection.

3. Discuss With the Dentist

Your family dentist will want to know about your child's tooth loss because it ushers in an important developmental phase. They want to ensure adult teeth erupt in the right place and won’t crowd or misalign other teeth. Doing this may require a quick oral exam in the near future. This is a great time to also discuss brushing and flushing. Children can generally brush and floss immediately after losing a tooth. However, they should brush much softer around the empty socket so they don’t irritate their gums.

If your child is due for a trip to the dentist, come to Cooper Family Dentistry in Gilbert, AZ. This supportive practice cares for patients of all ages throughout Chandler and surrounding areas, focusing on creating a healthy, stress-free experience. They offer a wide range of services to achieve healthy smiles, including general and cosmetic dentistry services. Learn about dental implants and more on their website, or call (480) 964-1000 to schedule an exam. You can also connect on Facebook for more care tips.