As children lose their baby teeth, the Tooth Fairy rewards them with a monetary gift under their pillow. If you’re not sure you’re all-in on the fairy situation for your family, don’t be too quick to overlook the benefits. There are many reasons to be thankful for the Tooth Fairy – this kind of family dental care lore is great motivation for young smiles.
1. Motivate Kids to Brush
If you need help to motivate your child to brush, remind them the Tooth Fairy loves white, healthy teeth. No child wants to present the Tooth Fairy with a dirty, decayed tooth that could put a dent in a kid’s passive income.
Though children struggle to brush and floss thoroughly, they simply need to learn the steps, develop a routine, and practice. Parents who help with at-home family dental care in the early years especially (the Tooth Fairy years) will see their effort pay dividends. And a little encouragement from the Tooth Fairy doesn’t hurt.
2. Highlight the Importance of Baby Teeth
Kids have a lot going on with their teeth in their youth and teen years. Teeth erupt and loosen and fall out then erupt permanently. Each stage contributes to good oral health. Not only do baby teeth help kids bite and chew, they serve as placeholders for adult teeth that eventually dissolve the roots of baby teeth and push them out of the way and into the hands of the Tooth Fairy.
Keeping baby teeth healthy in their proper locations is a critical part of childhood. At times, it may be necessary to treat a baby tooth with a tooth-colored filling or dental crown to keep it healthy and strong. Just because a baby tooth has a bad diagnosis doesn’t mean the tooth can be pulled to avoid restorative dentistry. Every tooth has a role to play.
3. Encourage Good Eating Habits
What you eat affects teeth. Let your kids know the Tooth Fairy can tell what they’re eating. Making good food choices, avoiding sugar, and trying the protein and veggies at the dinner table helps baby teeth stay healthy and tough and builds the foundation for strong, permanent teeth. Feel free to develop the Tooth Fairy’s list of favorite foods that make for high-yield baby teeth.
4. Help Kids Lose Wiggly Teeth
It’s important to keep baby teeth in place for as long as they’re needed, and it’s necessary to get rid of baby teeth when the time is right. Wiggly teeth freak out some kids and motivate others. Bottom line: If a baby tooth is loose, it needs to come out and soon.
If baby teeth stay in place too long, this can create alignment problems. If your child can’t pull out the tooth out or push it out with their tongue or strategic bites of an apple or carrot, visit your family dentist for a simple extraction. And get that pillow ready for the Tooth Fairy.
Get Family Dental Care in Red Bank
Red Bank Dentistry proudly offers family dental care in Red Bank, NJ, and treats patients of all ages. Schedule an appointment with Dr. Carole Sherrod Jewell and her dental team for a teeth-cleaning and guidance about oral health care for children.
