Losing the first tooth can be an overwhelming feeling for a child.
It is hard to think back that far, but losing your first tooth may have been a very anxious time in your young life. Although it may be made easier by the promise of a visit from the Tooth Fairy, losing a first tooth can be an overwhelming feeling.
Devon’s has received his dental services here for several years. The staff are always pleasant. Dr. Hoffman unmatched. His bedside manner is always welcoming. Devon receives amazing care and support based on his assessed needs. Feedback and instruction is clear and detailed. Follow-up is greatly appreciated. I appreciate their acceptance of differences and assurance that Devon will be taken care of.
Response from the owner:Thank you for your kind words and continued trust in our team! We’re grateful to be part of Devon’s care and truly appreciate your thoughtful feedback.
Best Dentists in St. Louis. Really a great dental experience. I have used this office for regular dental care, cavities, crowns, and cosmetic dentistry. Teeth look great.
Response from the owner:Christopher we apologize for the belated response. We are very pleased to hear you have a great dental experience with our office! Thank you for your kind words. We look forward to seeing you at your next dental appointment!
Dr. Behl!
I cannot recommend Dr. Maris Behl enough. If you have dental anxiety, she is truly the kind of dentist you hope to find. If teeth could be wrapped in pillows and protected by flying unicorns, Dr. Behl would somehow make it happen.
I have significant anxiety around dental procedures and have needed deeper sedation for dental work in the past. From the beginning, Dr. Behl took the time to listen to my concerns and made me feel genuinely heard rather than dismissed or rushed. She created such a sense of trust and safety that I was eventually able to have my dental work done with only nitrous instead of full sedation, which is something I honestly didn’t think I would be comfortable doing.
During my crown placement, she explained what she was doing throughout the procedure, which made an enormous difference in keeping me calm. She also took the time to address a filling that had been bothering me for what felt like forever — and she actually fixed the problem.
What stands out most about Dr. Behl is how safe I feel in her care. She is compassionate, patient, communicative, and incredibly attentive to how her patients are feeling. For someone with dental anxiety, that combination is invaluable.
Finding a dentist I trust this much has completely changed my experience with dental care. I am incredibly grateful to Dr. Behl and would recommend her without hesitation, especially to anyone who has dental anxiety or has struggled to feel comfortable receiving dental treatment.
Response from the owner:Thank you for such incredibly kind words! We’ll be sure to pass this along to Dr. Behl. We’re pretty sure the flying unicorns are going to be the part she remembers most! 🦄💙 We’re so glad our team could help make your experience a more comfortable one.
When your child is about to lose a tooth, it can become very sensitive, and any anxiety they have about it falling out may increase. That is why being communicative and supportive is so important in creating a positive experience.
Losing the First Tooth
Most children lose their first tooth by the age of six, although every child is different. Typically, all of their baby teeth are gone around the age of 13. Of course, every child goes through it on their own time frame. Although most parents think that it’s the end of the story once the tooth is gone, if it’s not anticipated or treated correctly, the tooth loss can cause problems. If your child has lost their first tooth, it is important not just to make sure that the Tooth Fairy leaves them a little surprise but that you care properly for the socket that is left.
Make sure to wipe their gums – When your child loses their tooth, there is going to be a gaping socket where the tooth once stood. To ensure that an infection doesn’t set in, make sure to wipe the socket with a sterile gauze pad. You will also want to have them rinse their mouth with a mixture of salt water to prevent any inflammation or infection and to soothe your child’s mouth. If they are having a hard time with pain, then you can place a cool tea bag on the open socket or give them Motrin or Tylenol just to take the sting away.
Don’t brush the missing tooth space – You want to encourage your child to brush their teeth at least twice a day, but once they lose that first tooth you need to make sure that they skip over the sore and empty socket. If they brush it, it will further irritate and hurt the area. The socket is going to be tender for a day or two, so just make sure that they gloss over the area where the tooth is missing.
Consider mouthwash – To ensure that the socket doesn’t become infected, consider using mouthwash. Mouthwashes have antibacterial ingredients that are excellent for your child’s first tooth loss. Since you want them to not brush the area, mouthwash can ensure that no bacteria sets in or add inflammation to the injury of the tooth loss.
There are all sorts of milestones that parents and children get to go through. Your child’s first tooth loss is exciting, and if you handle it right, it can be a positive experience for you both.
Pediatric Dentistry in St. Louis
Your child’s initial oral examination will include a visual examination, charting, diagnosis, and treatment recommendations. We work hard to make your child feel at ease by providing exceptional patient care in a relaxed, convenient atmosphere.
Call us today to schedule your appointment at (314) 862-7844. We look forward to meeting you!
