Whether you’re experiencing your first child’s tooth coming in, or your child’s first tooth coming out – these are important milestones for your child’s development. And it means that it’s time for a visit from the Tooth Fairy!

Here’s what you can expect during these proud moments as parents and how you can help celebrate with your child.

Baby Teeth to Permanent Teeth

Baby teeth are necessary for your child’s mouth development. These teeth help your child speak, chew, and smile. And, they save space for your child’s permanent teeth.

Around 6 months old, your child’s baby teeth will begin to erupt through their gums. Dental care for baby teeth is the same as care for adult teeth. Brush baby teeth 2 times a day and you floss between the teeth that come in next to each other.

The American Dental Association (ADA) recommends taking your child to a pediatric dentist at the eruption of the first primary tooth.

Baby teeth remain in the child’s mouth until the permanent tooth underneath it is ready to emerge through the gums. Your child could lose their first tooth anywhere from the age 5 up to 7.

During this time, your child will be the first to notice when their tooth is loose and will be able to wiggle it back and forth.

Introducing The Tooth Fairy

When your child loses their first tooth, your role as the tooth fairy begins!

This can be a fun and magical time for your family. Encouraging your child to look forward to the tooth fairy can be a fun way to educate about the benefits of good oral hygiene.

The ADA provides an array of fun activities to prepare for the tooth fairy, including a “Ask the ADA Tooth Fairy“, which provides answers for your children about dental health.

They also suggest welcoming the tooth fairy by creating a tooth fairy dish with your child, giving them a receipt from the tooth fairy or even keeping a calendar.

The ADA’s Mouth Healthy Kids site provides multiple activity sheets and projects to make welcoming the tooth fairy fun, educational and inexpensive.

Schedule a Visit with Your Pediatric Dentist

From first baby tooth to first permanent tooth, the board-certified pediatric dentists at Jenkins and LeBlanc are here to celebrate with you!

Schedule an appointment at one of our five convenient locations today!