Losing baby teeth is an exciting milestone in every child’s life—it marks their growth and development, both physically and emotionally. But for many kids, the idea of a wiggly or missing tooth can be a little scary. They might worry about pain, bleeding, or how they’ll look afterward. As a parent or caregiver, you play a big role in helping your child feel calm and confident through the process. Here are 5 ways to make losing teeth a positive and even fun experience for children.
1. Talk About It Early and Often
Preparation helps eliminate fear. Before your child starts losing teeth—typically around age six—talk about what to expect. Explain that losing baby teeth is a normal part of growing up and that new, stronger teeth will take their place.
Use simple, reassuring language, and try reading children’s books about tooth loss together. Stories like The Berenstain Bears Visit the Dentist or Bear’s Loose Tooth can make the process more familiar and less intimidating. When kids understand what’s happening, they’re much less likely to be afraid.
2. Celebrate the Milestone
Turn tooth loss into something special rather than scary. The Tooth Fairy tradition is a classic way to make the experience exciting. You can make it even more magical by leaving a small note or sparkly coin under their pillow. Some families create “Tooth Fairy doors,” keep a tooth chart, or give little surprises like stickers or bedtime books.
Celebrating helps children see losing a tooth as a fun rite of passage, not something to dread. Even a simple “You’re growing up!” celebration can boost your child’s confidence and make them proud of their new smile.
3. Focus on Comfort and Care
Some kids fear that losing a tooth will hurt. You can ease those worries by focusing on comfort and gentle care. Encourage your child to wiggle the loose tooth naturally rather than pulling it out forcefully. When the tooth is ready, it usually falls out easily on its own.
If there’s mild bleeding, reassure your child that it’s normal and give them a clean tissue or damp gauze to bite down on. A cool washcloth can soothe the area, and soft foods like yogurt or applesauce can help if their gums feel tender afterward.
4. Use Positive Reinforcement
Praise your child for being brave. Compliment their “big kid” smile and remind them that everyone loses baby teeth—it’s part of becoming grown-up. If they’re nervous, stay patient and calm. Children take emotional cues from adults, so if you act relaxed and encouraging, they’ll feel more secure.
You can also involve siblings or friends who’ve already lost teeth to share their own experiences. Hearing that others have gone through the same thing can make it feel less scary.
5. Make It a Learning Moment
Losing teeth is a great opportunity to talk about oral health. Teach your child how to brush their new teeth gently and remind them why good dental care is important. You can even schedule a visit to the dentist after their first tooth loss—dentists often make the experience fun with rewards and smiles.
Losing baby teeth doesn’t have to be a frightening experience. With reassurance, celebration, and a little creativity, you can help your child approach this milestone with excitement instead of fear.
About the Practice
Looking for a trusted provider of preventive dentistry for your little one? At Coral Kids Dentistry & Braces, we’re led by a board-certified pediatric dentist, which means you’re getting the best care available from a specialist. We also have a dental anesthesiologist on staff, and your kids will enjoy our fun and colorful dental office with state-of-the-art technology! If it’s been 6 months or longer since their last checkup, schedule an appointment for your child online or call one of our conveniently located offices in your area.