The Tooth Fairy

The legend of the tooth fairy is that of a fairy that gives a child money and/or gifts in exchange for a baby tooth (also know as deciduous or milk tooth) that has fallen out. Children typically place the tooth under their pillow at night. The fairy is said to take the tooth from under the pillow and replace it with money once they have fallen asleep.

From the age of about six years, baby teeth start to become ‘wobbly’ and fall out to make way for adult teeth. It is perfectly normal for a child to lose their first tooth up to a year or two earlier or later than six years of age. Girls generally lose teeth earlier than boys. The first tooth to fall out is usually located in the front of the lower jaw.

Losing baby teeth can be unsettling and painful for young children. Reassure your child that losing baby teeth is a natural process and new adult teeth will come in their place. Massage the gum with a toothbrush to encourage eruption of permanent adult teeth If the tooth is loose, gently wiggle the tooth to free it from the gum line. Keep up normal dental hygiene routines such as brushing with children’s toothpaste. Contact your local 1300SMILES dentist for an appointment today to ensure that your childs teeth are developing correctly.