Although all children are unique, most kids reach certain dental milestones at similar ages. For example, they usually have two arches full of teeth by the time they turn 3 or 4. Then, most kids start losing their primary teeth to make room for adult teeth around their 6th birthday.
This period can be bittersweet, because even though they’re growing a happy, healthy smile, you might struggle to let go of their toddler years. Focusing on new traditions, like welcoming the tooth fairy, can help your family through this transition. Continue reading to learn about 3 fun ways to commemorate your child’s lost teeth!
Option #1: Take “Smilestone” Pictures
One way to capture the changes as your child starts losing their teeth is to take “smilestone” pictures and place them in a dedicated album or scrapbook each time the tooth fairy visits. You can even turn this into an engaging arts-and-crafts project by decorating the cover and pages with your child, so they can also help make the magic happen.
By the time they lose all their teeth, you’ll have a book full of memories to look back on and enjoy, which can help ease nostalgia as they continue to grow and develop.
Option #2: Make a Special Holder
Many kids store their recently lost tooth under their pillow in anticipation of the tooth fairy’s overnight visit, but this isn’t the only option. Some families prefer a pretty dish or pouch on a bedside table that’s easier to access and exchange for a few coins or other goodies.
You can also turn this into a collaborative project by taking your child to the local thrift shop to pick out the perfect container, then decorating it as they wish. You might also purchase air-dry clay and have them form their own holder so it’s as one-of-a-kind as their teeth are!
Option #3: Offer a Receipt for Their Tooth
You might also consider creating special receipts that you can leave in place of your child’s tooth each time they lose one. This can be a simple way to record details, like their age, the date the tooth was lost, what they were doing when it fell out, and its condition, which you can save in a memory or scrapbook along with their “smilestone” pictures. You might even include space on the slip to write a personalized note from the tooth fairy thanking your child for their donation.
These are just some ideas to get you started. Feel free to think outside the box to come up with new and exciting ways to welcome the tooth fairy with your child that they’re sure to appreciate and remember!
Meet the Author
Dr. Michael Rullo takes pride in helping children build and maintain beautiful, healthy smiles. He earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Western University in London, Ontario, then completed his Pediatric Dental Residency and Masters in Oral Biology in Ohio. As a father himself, he understands the unique challenges of still-developing smiles, and strives to help kids feel calm and comfortable during dental visits while teaching them the value of proper preventive care. You can request an appointment for your child on the website or by calling (905) 525-8272.