Most children lose their first tooth naturally around the age of 6 or 7. For many, it’s a big event that’s been long anticipated: especially if they have older siblings or if other kids in their class have already started losing theirs. But for some tender little ones, the prospect of having a loose tooth and then losing it can be downright frightening. Don’t worry! There’s nothing wrong or right about this kind of attitude: it just “is.” As a parent, you can do a lot to help: here are some tips.

Be understanding: There are many reasons why a child might be afraid. Perhaps it’s the idea of having a part of his body “fall out” and not being able to have any control over it. He might be worried that it will hurt. If your child is fearful, snuggle up in a nice cozy chair and have a calm conversation about what exactly he’s worried about, and then address those concerns directly. Be careful not to demean or belittle his feelings: to him, this is very important and a real concern.

Explain what will happen: Every child likes to know the truth and likes to be told things straight. Many times fear is related to the “mystery” of an event, so do as much as you can to reveal that mystery. In most cases, losing a tooth doesn’t hurt; sometimes when a tooth is lost, there is a little blood: but it’s not serious; baby teeth have to come out when a child is growing up in order to make room for big teeth: it’s natural and normal; if you remember, tell your child what it was like for you to lose your first tooth and how you felt. There are plenty of picture books out there on the subject too: a book may be a great conversation starter.

Be wary of the fairy: Not all kids like the idea of a Tooth Fairy coming into their rooms at night! You don’t have to adopt the Tooth Fairy routine if your child is uncomfortable with it: find some other way to celebrate instead. Some kids don’t like the idea of the Tooth Fairy “taking” their teeth: many parents will keep a “tooth box” instead so their child can “visit” those lost teeth whenever he wants to.

Let the dentist help: If your child still struggles with fear, or if that first tooth is not coming out as easily as it should, visit your favorite Utah pediatric dentist like Stevenson Pediatric or a dentist in the state where you live. He and his staff are experts at helping kids relax and making the process go as smoothly and easily as possible.

Children’s reactions to life’s normal milestones like losing a first tooth are as varied as children themselves. So don’t assume that each of your kids will react the same way. Some kids wiggle away excitedly then get scared when the tooth is actually ready to come out, some are matter-of-fact about it, and yet others are just plain fearful. It’s all normal! Do everything you can to assuage any fears: chances are that after losing a few teeth, your child’s fears will be forgotten

If you are a new parent, your folks’ advice over the years is probably coming back to you now that you have a child of your own: no snacks before dinner, don’t talk with your mouth full, brush and floss your teeth twice a day, and don’t drink too much soda or eat too much candy! All of these admonitions are wise ones from a health as well as an oral hygiene perspective; but here is a little information that your parents might not have known: candy and soda are not the only foods that can cause significant problems with tooth decay.

The bacteria that naturally live in our mouths thrive on carbohydrate-rich foods that get left behind on our teeth after we eat. These sugars are broken down by the bacteria and cavity-causing acids are created as a by-product. Because soda and candy are nothing BUT sugar, they have been designated as Public Enemies Number One and Two: but bacteria don’t differentiate between carbohydrates that contain simple sugars like sweets or complex ones like fruit. They thrive on both; and therefore, all carbohydrates are potentially harmful to your child’s dental health.

Here is a list of 10 surprising foods that may cause tooth decay in your children:

1. Peanut butter
2. Raisins
3. Spaghetti
4. Fruit
5. Cereal (even with no sugar added)
6. Nuts
7. All-natural juices
8. Baby formula
9. Crackers
10. Chips

Most of these foods are nutritionally important, and therefore parents should not cut them out entirely: indeed, carbohydrates of all types are an important source of energy.

What should parents do?

1. Moderation in all things: make sure you child eats a balanced diet that is not weighed too heavily toward carbohydrates
2. Make sure your child brushes and flosses at least twice a day, preferably after every meal, and especially after consuming sugary snacks
3. Make twice-yearly visits to a good Utah pediatric dentist such as Stevenson Pediatric who specializes in caring exclusively for children’s teeth.

Your parents were right: too much candy and soda is bad; but don’t forget about the other culprits as well!