What We Can Learn From the Tooth Fairy

February 22, 2016

You may or may not believe in the existence of sprites, but on February 28^th, we will all be celebrating National Tooth Fairy Day. The origins of the legend are unclear, but the current tale of a fairy who exchanges children’s lost teeth for gifts might actually offer some insight for kids and adults alike. Baby teeth fall out and signal healthy dental development, but even if the tooth fairy offers compensation, great dental health is truly priceless. Rather than simply rewarding lost teeth, you can keep your kid’s smile healthy by rewarding good dental habits. Pediatric dentistry is of the utmost importance when kids are growing, so you can enlist help from the Tooth Fairy to get kids’ oral health headed in the right direction.

The Tooth Fairy Knows That Tooth Loss Timelines Vary

If your child is anxiously awaiting the loss of their first tooth, you can reassure them with the fact that some kids do not begin losing teeth until they are up to eight years old. Like most growth milestones, each child will arrive there at their own pace. Some kids may try yanking and wiggling teeth to expedite the process and bait the Tooth Fairy, but caring for teeth and investing in pediatric dentistry is important, even if they will soon be gone. Whether teeth become loose at four or eight matters less than the care habits, like regularly brushing and flossing teeth, that are being formed during the process.

The Order Teeth Are Lost In Matters More Than When

If you, like many parents, plan to stand in for the Tooth Fairy, you may have heard a rumor that compensation for teeth is commensurate with their size. You can keep track of your child’s progress, and compensate accordingly if you choose, by watching which teeth fall out first. Healthy dental development is indicated by teeth that are lost in the same order they came in. Lower center teeth generally fall out first, and upper center teeth often follow. If you are concerned about your child’s oral development, you should schedule an appointment with their pediatric dentist in Brighton, CO.

Schedule Regular Dental Exams for Kids

Mountain View Family Dental can take care of all your child’s dental needs. We might not be the Tooth Fairy, but we can ensure that kids have happy and healthy smiles. Call us for more information on setting up an appointment with a pediatric dentist in Brighton, CO.

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