It is likely that when you were a child, you got excited the moment a tooth popped out. Why? Because it meant the Tooth Fairy was coming to visit, and you’d be a least a little bit richer. Now that you have children of your own, it’s time to strap on your wings and get ready to perform the fastest, sneakiest swap of your life. Whether you’ve been playing Tooth Fairy for years or this will be your first time, let a pediatric dentist in Poway share some advice on talking to your kids about the importance of healthy teeth and why they’re the only ones the Tooth Fairy will take.
Who is the Tooth Fairy?
The Tooth Fairy is a mythical creature who flies around swapping out baby teeth that have been lost and placed under a pillow for a special gift. There’s nothing that gets kids more excited about losing their teeth than the realization that when they wake the morning, there will be money, candy, or a toy in its place.
As a way to celebrate this age-old tale, dentists throughout the world celebrate National Tooth Fairy Day on February 28.
How the Tooth Fairy Can Help Your Child’s Smile
Long before your child loses their first baby tooth, you can use the Tooth Fairy as an opportunity to discuss the importance of healthy teeth and good oral hygiene. Children have a harder time getting excited about the idea of standing in front of a mirror and brushing, flossing, and rinsing their teeth. In fact, a majority of adults don’t find enjoyment in it either, but by taking the extra step to encourage and use positive language and affirmation, you might find that your child is eagerly grabbing at their toothbrush when they wake up in the morning and before they go to bed at night.
A few points you can make when talking to your little one about good oral health include:
- Using the right amount of toothpaste: Only a smear (size of a grain of rice) is necessary to effectively clean and protect their tiny teeth.
- Choosing an appropriate toothbrush: Little mouths need only a brush with a small head. This will allow them to get to those hard to reach areas much easier.
- Seeing a dentist twice a year: If you’ve been bringing your child in to see a dentist for kids in Poway since they were a baby, it is likely they’re already used to the dentist’s office, but if they struggle with some anxiety, reassure them that these visits are beneficial and fun!
- Limiting sugary foods and beverages: It’s understandable that your kids love sugar, but when talking to them about all the foods and drinks they enjoy, make sure to reiterate how they are given only during special times and are not for daily consumption. Fruits, vegetables, water, and other nutritious foods will be kinder to their body and teeth.
Talking to your children about ways to maintain a healthy smile isn’t always easy, which is why you should enlist the help of a children’s dentist in Poway. They can offer tips and suggestions to help make the discussions easier as well as provide recommendations on how to be the best Tooth Fairy you can be!
About the Author Dr. Sambath “Dr. Sam” Tiep completed her Doctor of Dental Surgery degree at the University of Southern California’s Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry. She then went on to complete a General Practice Residency at the Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center. She also finished the Pediatric Dentistry Program at Interfaith Medical Center. Board-certified through the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, she takes great pride in making sure your little one is safe and cared for during their visit. She will also provide you with helpful tips and advice on how to encourage good oral health at home. To learn more about us, visit our website or call (858) 943-0750.