Losing your baby teeth as your permanent teeth start to come in is a very normal process, but for a young child losing his first tooth, it can be a scary and uncomfortable experience. Most children experience physical and emotional discomfort from having a tooth gradually loosen while another one pushes up from underneath it. As a parent, you can help put your child at ease by assuring them that they are safe and making the tooth easier to come out.
Step 1
Visit the dentist. Many children's first trips to the dentist come when they start to lose their baby teeth. The dentist will be able to educate both the parents and the child about what to expect in the coming months and years and how they should prepare for them and handle the teeth. The dentist will also be able to take a look at any currently loose teeth and estimate how close they are to coming out.
Step 2
Give your child chewy treats to enjoy, such as Starburst and Tootsie Rolls. Your child will probably experience discomfort with her teeth at some point, and this usually signals a tooth being nearly ready to come out. Chewy foods and snacks will help expedite the tooth's detachment from the gums.
Step 3
Prepare your child for any bleeding that may occur. Most children fear blood because they associate it with pain, injury and death. Let them know that they might bleed but that there's nothing to worry about--it's just a little blood lost from the tooth detaching from the gums. You can instruct your child to clean up the blood with tissue paper or gauze after the tooth comes out.
Step 4
Show your child what to do with a lost tooth. Many parents implement the Tooth Fairy myth because it offers incentive for your child to work those teeth out of their gums, and it also helps children view tooth loss with excitement rather than fear. Teach them to put the cleaned tooth underneath their pillow or to otherwise dispose of it properly.
