How can I talk to my child about losing his first tooth?

Children will typically lose their first tooth between the ages of five and seven. Most children have heard about the tooth fairy and losing teeth from an older sibling or family member. However, you can help prepare your child for the first big event by beginning to talk to them about what it means to lose a tooth and what to expect. Describe the process in positive and age-appropriate terms, explaining that their tooth will become “wiggly” and soon will fall out because his adult tooth is pushing it out to replace the baby tooth.

There are many children’s books available on the subject with illustrations to help your child understand what is going on in his growing mouth. You can also prepare him by purchasing a tooth pillow for him to place his tooth in for the tooth fairy. Either way, creating excitement about this childhood milestone will help when the day actually arrives.