My 1st tooth fairy gig ended in dramatic fashion. Just as it started.
That last baby tooth, rather than getting loose and coming out on its own, ended up needing to be extracted by the dentist after the adult tooth came in beside it. And as I looked at my then 11-year-old son sitting in the dentist’s chair, I was surprised by the bittersweet feelings. I loved being his tooth fairy, and sneaking into his room at night to trade baby teeth for cash (that I hopefully had on hand… ha!). But I was also excited about this big milestone of losing that last tooth and ready to embrace this next season of his growing up.
In light of August’s Tooth Fairy Day, I want to share some of my recent reflections as a semi-retired tooth fairy. Here are 4 of the biggest things I learned during the 1st half of my tooth fairy career:
1st Tooth = 1st Dentist Appointment
It wasn’t until I began collaborating with Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist to create content that I learned this! When that first tooth begins to erupt, it’s time to schedule your child’s first appointment with a pediatric dentist. Though this typically happens between 6-8 months of age, ages vary greatly. But increased drooling and teething behaviors (fussiness, chewing/gnawing) usually give you a decent heads up. That 1st tooth also means it’s time to start brushing with a small (grain of rice-sized) amount of fluoridated toothpaste. Check out this post for more helpful tips on establishing good oral hygiene for infants.
The Importance of Healthy Snacks
Anyone else with a middle or high schooler feeling this extra with those big growth spurts?! Healthy snacking is so important–not just for fueling healthy growth and development, but for maintaining oral health, too! Put snack time(s) into your family schedule and offer healthy snack options your kids can choose from. Low-fat cheese, veggies, yogurt, and whole fruit are great places to start. Offering water instead of juice or sports drinks also goes a long way in protecting tooth enamel and preventing cavities.
With fall around the corner, check out these seasonal foods that also promote dental health. And if you have little ones, be sure to avoid these common choking hazards.
Sealants
Because 4 out of 5 cavities in children are found in the back teeth, sealants are a super helpful cavity-preventing tool. So it was an easy yes from me when my kids’ dentist suggested them. A sealant is a protective coating applied to molars and premolars to prevent decay caused by plaque and acid. It’s a common procedure that makes a huge difference and gives this tooth fairy some extra peace of mind.
Partner With a Pediatric Dentist
Our children’s pediatric dentist is an important member of our team. In addition to providing routine exams and cleanings, they are an invaluable resource and source of support. Relying on their care and expertise helps me set my kids up for a lifetime of good oral health–especially as my kids get older and take more responsibility for their oral hygiene.
If you’re looking for a local pediatric dentist your kids will love, we recommend Dr. Bob Pediatric Dentist. At their new office, which is conveniently located on Sunset Drive in South Miami, you’ll find a caring team ready and waiting to provide the exceptional care your child deserves. Services are provided in both English and Spanish, and you will love the personalized care and support your family receives. For questions or to schedule an appointment, you can reach Dr. Bob’s practice by phone at 305-397-8214 or via their website. And be sure to let Dr. Bob know you heard about his practice from Miami Mom Collective!
