5 Ways to Love and Lose Your Child’s Wobbly Teeth

Can you remember losing your first wobbly tooth? The excitement, the pain, the thrill of it finally coming out? Wobbly teeth are a normal part of growing up, but can bring all sorts of mixed emotions with it. But there is also the possibility for a little bit of fun. Here are our 5 ways to love and lose your child’s wobbly teeth.

You can read our story about Luc’s first wobbly tooth here.

5 Ways to Help Your Child with their Wobbly Teeth

1. Wobbly Baby Teeth is Normal

Big milestones can cause anxiety on both sides. For parents, the first wobbly tooth can mark the end of the baby stage, which can be bittersweet. Their adult teeth can move through at all sorts of weird and wonderful angles and end up in all sorts of positions. And without the guidance of a kind professional, this can be stressful for parents. Wobbly teeth can be both exciting and painful for children. Some teeth shift and fall out easily while others take their time and can be extremely painful.

But we don’t have to focus on the stresses of wobbly teeth. Reassure your child (and yourself) that this is a normal part of growing up. There is fun to be had with hiding a tooth under a pillow and finding a coin there the next morning. There is discovery to be had in looking at their teeth and seeing them from a different perspective. Big milestones can mark the end of an era, but also the start of a new beginning.

2. Getting on Top of the Pain

The tricky part of wobbly teeth is when they become painful. Most wobbly tooth pain is normal but if you are unsure, its best to consult a dental professional.

Other ways to help kids manage the pain is a cool compress (not really cold) to the outside of the mouth, offering softer foods and being more flexible with what and how much they eat. You could also try paracetamol in small doses if recommended.

And remember that a hug and a bit of distraction goes a long way to helping children with wobbly tooth pain. It will fall out soon!

3. Help Them Keep Their Teeth Clean

One of the big problems with wobbly teeth and new adult teeth coming through awkwardly is being able to brush them well. And if they are sore and painful, children can be more reluctant to brush around that area.

But continuing to brush their teeth carefully and thoroughly is vital to their ongoing dental health. The NHS recommends that you brush your teeth for two minutes in the morning and in the evening. Two-minute timers are often available for free through water companies (in the UK) and can come with child-friendly pictures to inspire them.

Or you could play a song and have a bit of a dance together while you brush your teeth – remembering that children respond better to play and silliness than threats of losing all their teeth or fear of punishment.

Find some extra advice about teeth care here.

4. Get Excited - Have a Bit of Toothy Fun!

Wobbly teeth also lend themselves to having a bit of fun. There is the surprise of the tooth actually falling out. It can happen at anytime and anywhere. There is the Tooth Fairy and the thrill of finding a little bit of money under the pillow in the morning.

For parents, your child is growing. They are turning from little people into middle-sized people and you are getting to watch it all happen. Their personalities are developing, their likes and their dislikes are more certain. Yes, it can mark the end of their cute baby smiles, but your best years don’t need to be behind you.

You can choose what to do with their teeth or, as in my case, have absolutely no say whatsoever. My children store them in old marmalade and jam jars and display them in their bedroom. They take them out and compare them and count them. They take pride in their baby teeth. And you can join in too.

5. Share Your Story

Everyone has got a good wobbly tooth story to tell. Let your kids share their stories with those around them. Share your past wobbly tooth tales with them and make this big milestone become a precious memory.