7 Things The Tooth Fairy Wants You To Know About Baby Teeth
The Tooth Fairy has been around for generations putting money under the pillows of children in exchange for a lost tooth. It’s not an easy job, but she has seen her fair share of baby teeth and has some great advice for parents. The Tooth Fairy has taken time out of her busy schedule to address some common questions she gets about baby teeth. Click here to download a fun Tooth Fairy coloring sheet to keep your kiddo busy while you get the inside scoop about all things baby teeth!
Dear Tooth Fairy,
Does my daughter really need dental x-rays?
Radioactive Mama in Denver, Colorado
Dear Radio,
Absolutely! Dental x-rays are an important diagnostic tool that help get a full picture of your kiddo’s oral health. X-rays allow the dentist to see things that aren’t visible to the naked eye. Dental x-rays are safe, even for preschoolers because the radiation levels are very low – your kiddo is exposed to higher levels of radiation when flying across the country to see Grandma. Once a baseline is established, your family dentist will recommend how often x-rays will need to be taken, with priority being placed on not exposing your daughter to unneeded x-rays.
Tooth Fairy (TF)
Dear Tooth Fairy,
Do I really need to break my son’s pacifier habit?
PeasNQuiet Please in Tuscon, Arizona
Dear Peas,
If your son isn’t two years old, you don’t have to worry quite yet. Some babies will use a finger, thumb or pacifier to help with self-soothing, and most will naturally break the habit by the time they are three. Typically, these kiddos don’t suffer any long term dental problems. If the habit continues past the age of four, your dentist will probably start pushing you to encourage your child to break the pacifier (or thumb sucking) habit.
TF
Dear Tooth Fairy,
My kiddo has two cavities in her baby teeth, does she really need to get fillings in teeth that will just be falling out?
YOLO Pop in Surprise, Arizona
Dear YOLO,
Believe it or not, her baby teeth have an impact on the health of her adult teeth! Baby teeth form a path for permanent teeth that help your child with speaking and eating. Untreated cavities in baby teeth can impact roots and spread bacteria to their permanent teeth potentially causing more cavities or gum disease. Not only are they potentially painful, cavities are one of the top reasons kids miss school! Please get those cavities filled – it’s best to begin good oral health habits young to create a healthier future.
TF
Dear Tooth Fairy,
My kids’ dentist wants them to get sealants? Should we do it?
Skeptic Daddy in Colorado Springs
Dear Skeptic,
While brushing and flossing are the best way to prevent cavities in baby teeth, sealants play an important supporting role. Sealants are a thin, protective coating applied to teeth to provide additional protection from decay. Given the prevalence of cavities in young children, anything that can be done to prevent them should be. A recent study by the CDC found kids without sealants have three times as many cavities as kids who have had sealants! So the answer is yes, please have those sealants done!
TF
Dear Tooth Fairy,
My children are allergic to milk. How important is it for dental health?
Vegan Family in Boulder, Colorado
Dear Vegan,
It’s not the milk that’s important for dental health, it’s the calcium in the milk that’s important. Calcium is the building block of strong teeth and bones. The good news, there are plenty other ways to get calcium for children with health concerns or dietary restrictions. Calcium can be found in many non-dairy foods like nuts, seeds, even some veggies; check out this list from the American Dental Association.
TF
Dear Tooth Fairy,
Does my child get enough fluoride from our water, or do we need supplements? Is it safe?
Non-Toxic Parents in Albuquerque, New Mexico
Dear Non-Toxic,
Fluoride is a naturally occurring mineral that has been proven to prevent cavities by strengthening tooth enamel. In many parts of the United States, there is fluoride in tap water, but how much, varies by location. Your dentist can determine if you need more and recommend the best way to get it. Suggestions may include fluoride toothpastes, treatments, or supplements. Don’t worry, in small amounts (like what is recommended for the enamel protecting benefits) fluoride is safe.
TF
Dear Tooth Fairy,
My son has his first loose tooth. Should I pull it?
Pliers in hand in Arvada, Colorado
Not so fast Pliers! While your child may be eager for a visit from yours truly, it’s best to let nature take its course and let the loose tooth fall out naturally. Your kid’s dentist can suggest a dentist approved way to wiggle out that tooth.
TF
Well, there you have it. Let’s give a huge round of applause to our favorite fairy. Follow the tooth fairy’s advice and bring your child to the dentist upon eruption of their first tooth, or by their first birthday, and then twice a year after that. Need a new family dentist? Find a PERFECT TEETH dental office in Colorado, New Mexico, or Arizona for more information.
Reviewed by Dr. Barbara Hymer, Pediatric Dentist at PERFECT TEETH – 88th & Wadsworth