What to Do When Your Toddler Loses Their First Tooth: A Guide for Parents

Losing a first tooth is a milestone for both you and your toddler! It’s a sign they’re growing up and that their little smile is changing. But along with this excitement, you might wonder what you should do to care for their new “big kid” smile and help them through this transition. Here’s everything you need to know about what to expect and what to do next when your toddler loses that very first tooth.

1. **Celebrate the Milestone!** 🎉
Losing a first tooth is a big moment, so make it a celebration! Acknowledge the "big kid" milestone with fun activities like reading a book about the Tooth Fairy, creating a special tooth fairy pillow, or even doing a mini photoshoot to capture their smile. Celebrating will make them feel excited rather than anxious, especially if they have concerns about their new smile.

### 2. **Reassure Your Toddler About the Change** 🦷
It’s common for toddlers to feel a little nervous about the gap where their tooth used to be or worry that losing teeth might hurt. Reassure them that this is completely normal and that everyone loses their baby teeth to make room for grown-up teeth! Explaining the process can help ease any worries they may have.

3. **Brush and Floss as Usual—But Be Gentle** 🪥
When a toddler loses a tooth, keeping up with their oral hygiene is important. Continue to help them brush twice a day and gently floss around their other baby teeth. Just be extra careful around the new gap to avoid any irritation. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush, and a fluoride-free toothpaste designed for toddlers to avoid any discomfort.

4. **Encourage Healthy Eating Habits** 🍎
Your toddler’s teeth need plenty of nutrition to grow strong, healthy adult teeth. Encourage them to eat foods rich in calcium (like yogurt, milk, and cheese) and vitamins (such as fruits and leafy greens). Avoid sticky, sugary snacks, which can stick to teeth and make them more prone to decay. Healthy eating helps protect both baby teeth and those new permanent teeth getting ready to come in!

5. **Consider a Tooth Fairy Tradition** 🧚
If you’re thinking about introducing the Tooth Fairy, now is the perfect time! The Tooth Fairy tradition is a fun way to make losing teeth a little magical. Some families leave a small gift, like a coin, or write a short note from the Tooth Fairy encouraging good brushing habits. You can even include a “Tooth Fairy” reward chart to encourage brushing and flossing, making it fun and exciting to care for those teeth.

6. **Know When to Check with a Dentist** 👩‍⚕️👨‍⚕️
While losing a first tooth is normal, it’s helpful to keep your child’s dentist in the loop. If they’re visiting regularly for cleanings, the dentist can monitor their teeth to make sure they’re coming in correctly and that the baby teeth are lost at a healthy rate. If you notice any swelling, pain, or an unusual delay in the arrival of the adult tooth, a quick check-in with the dentist can provide peace of mind.

7. **Introduce Big Kid Tooth Care** ✨
Losing a first tooth is an ideal time to start building independence in brushing habits. Let your toddler practice brushing their new "big kid" teeth on their own before you do a final brush. You can even try a fun electric toothbrush designed for kids, which can make brushing easier and more enjoyable. This is also a great opportunity to talk about the importance of good oral care to keep those new teeth strong and healthy.

Losing a first tooth is exciting and full of changes for both toddlers and parents! From reassuring them about the process to making it a magical experience with the Tooth Fairy, you can make this a positive milestone in their lives. By celebrating the occasion, keeping up with good oral hygiene, and encouraging healthy eating, you’ll help pave the way for a strong, beautiful smile.

So when that first tooth wiggles its way out, follow these steps to keep your little one smiling—brightly and confidently!