National Tooth Fairy Day!

Attention parents and kids!  August 22 is the "official" National Tooth Fairy Day.  Kids, any loose baby teeth about to come out?  Parents, be on the look out :)

Most of the time baby teeth come out fairly easily.  If a tooth appears to be extremely loose and looks ready to come out, encourage your child to wiggle it.  Sometimes I even encourage a bite out of an apple, carrot, or even a sandwich to help give the tooth an extra nudge.  A little bleeding is normal when the tooth comes out; if so, firm pressure on a cotton gauze will help stop the bleeding.

I would suggest to have your kid's dentist evaluate the area if you notice:

• The baby tooth is stubborn and doesn't seem to want to come out
• The gums/gingiva around the tooth is bleeding or puffy
• The baby (primary) tooth is blocking the permanent tooth from erupting and coming into place
• Quite a few primary and permanent teeth are very close and crowded together

Crowded primary dentition is a possible predictor for orthodontic (braces) needs.  An early orthodontic evaluation can be helpful to see if braces may be needed in the future, and may even help reduce or eliminate extensive orthodontic treatment later on. 

From your family Bellevue dentist,
Dr. Peter Chien
www.bellevuefamilydentistry.com
(425) 614-1600