The biggest piece of advice for parents when it comes to kids’ tooth loss is that if you intend to go the Tooth Fairy route, begin planning early. Inevitably you’ll bolt upright in bed at 4 a.m. one early morning as waves of panic take over as you tear the house apart searching for a dollar bill or some spare change.
What you don’t want to leave up to chance, however, is knowing when to expect those adorable little baby teeth to fall out. Not only will you be Tooth Fairy prepared, but you’ll also have some general guidelines to help you determine whether or not any issues need to be addressed with your child’s dentist. Here are 8 things you need to know about tooth loss.
Baby tooth loss
When should your child see a dentist?
6) Yes, your baby should visit the dentist.
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry recommends that parents bring their children to the dentist for the first time once your baby’s first tooth erupts. Some factors to consider that may affect your child’s dental health include early signs of tooth decay as a result of bottles of juice, teething issues, nursing suggestions and troubleshooting, and potential pacifier concerns.
7) Visiting the dentist early and often will help minimize stress or apprehension over future appointments.
Establishing a regular dental routine with your young child is beneficial for the care of your child’s teeth as they age. Regular routine visits make visiting the dentist a normal part of your preschooler’s life and sets them up for future success.
8) Poll friends and family for dentist recommendations to find the right fit for your family.
Ari Adams told Mom.com that when choosing a dentist, “one of my most important tips is the staff’s willingness to educate parents on proper home dental care and being able to use flexible techniques for uncooperative kids.”
Choosing the right dentist for your family is an individual decision based on factors only you can determine. The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry provides an online pediatric dentist search tool, and recommendations from friends and family as well as social media can all be helpful resources.
