Children, do you know why teeth fall out?
Why do teeth fall out?
Your first teeth are called milk teeth. They are the first teeth that you grew when you were a child. However, as you grow up, your mouth will also get bigger, and you need stronger teeth to help you chew food. Therefore, when you are about 5 to 7 years old, your milk teeth will begin to fall out one by one, making room for new permanent teeth. Permanent teeth will be the teeth you will have for a lifetime, so they will be bigger and stronger than milk teeth!
What should I do if a tooth falls out?
• Don’t pull it out with your fingers! Let it loosen by itself and fall out slowly. If you pull it out too early, it may hurt your gums.
• You can keep the fallen tooth! You can ask your parents to collect it for you. Some children will put the tooth in a small box as a souvenir!
• The gums may bleed a little, don’t be afraid! Press it gently with a clean gauze or tissue, don’t keep licking the wound, it will heal in a few minutes.
• Be careful when eating after a tooth falls out! The gums are still very sensitive at this time, try not to bite on hard food, such as nuts and hard candies.
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What should parents pay attention to?
• Encourage children to maintain oral hygiene: Even if the baby teeth are about to fall out, you should keep brushing your teeth! New permanent teeth need more protection, otherwise they are prone to tooth decay.
• Observe whether the teeth fall out normally: Some children's milk teeth do not fall out for a long time, but the permanent teeth have already come out behind the milk teeth, which may affect the alignment of the teeth and need to see a dentist.
• Let children not be afraid of losing teeth: Tell them that losing teeth is part of growing up, and you can use fairy tales or games to let children accept this process.
Interesting stories about tooth loss!
There are many interesting legends about tooth loss around the world, did you know?
• Tooth Fairy: In Western countries, children put their fallen teeth under their pillows, and the Tooth Fairy will quietly take them away at night and leave small gifts or coins!
• The custom of throwing teeth: In China, children will throw their fallen lower teeth onto the roof and their upper teeth onto the ground, hoping that the new teeth will grow straight and healthy!
• The story of the little mouse: In Spain, there is a little mouse called "Ratoncito Pérez" who will take children's teeth and leave small gifts.