At Kiwi Dental, we love working with patients of all ages to ensure their teeth grow healthy and strong. It’s an exciting time for both parents and children alike when baby teeth begin to loosen and fall out. We’ve put together this guide to help you know what to expect as your child's mouth develops, and how to navigate your journey as the Tooth Fairy if you've decided that tradition is for your family!
When Will My Tooth Fairy Duties Begin?
Kids normally lose their first baby tooth around the age of six. Typically, the first teeth to go are the central incisors (the front teeth on the top and bottom). Check out this tooth timeline from the American Dental Association for a general timeframe of when your child will lose each of their teeth. But keep in mind that every child is different and their teeth may fall out a little before or after the expected age.
Should I Pull Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?
Chances are your child will alert you the very moment they notice a loose tooth! We’ve worked with many patients over the years, and we have yet to work with a child who can resist wiggling a loose tooth! Although you may be tempted to speed up the process and help a child pull out a loose tooth, it is usually best to just let nature take its course. Encourage your child to wiggle their loose tooth with a clean finger or clean tissue. Yanking out a tooth before it is ready will be painful and may even damage your child’s sensitive gum tissue. If it seems like a tooth has been loose forever and it just won’t fall out, our team can give you advice on how to (gently) speed up the process.
How Much Should the Tooth Fairy Leave?
While there are certainly lucky children out there who receive a crisp twenty-dollar bill for each lost tooth, this isn't the norm. The going rate per tooth tends to be between one and five dollars. Here’s a pro tip from our team: suggest to your child that the tooth fairy pays extra for teeth that are clean and in excellent condition!
More Questions? We Have Answers!
Let us know if you have any questions about how to encourage your kids to take good care of their teeth. We are here to help every member of your family have superb oral health! To get in touch with our team or to schedule your child's next appointment, please call us or utilize our online contact form.