Teeth First! Teeth First!
TeethFirst!

My Gap Grin

What defines your child’s smile?

Maybe it’s how wide it spreads, or how it’s held back and shy. Maybe she tilts her head, or scrunches her nose.

When your child loses both front teeth, they’ve reached another defining moment in their little smile – yes, another Smilestone!

Here are a few fast facts about this special smile – and some information you can share with your child:

It’s Part of the Plan. Your child’s baby teeth fall out in a schedule. Once their twentieth baby tooth comes in, you can expect the first loose tooth is not far behind. The two bottom teeth are often the first to fall out, and then it’s the top teeth’s turn. Knowing which teeth are going to come out next will mean your child can get used to the idea long before the first wiggle.

Celebrate the Gap! There’s a chance that, if this happens to your child, they may be embarrassed or worry about what the other kids in class might say to them. Remind them that this is something that everyone has gone through, or will if they haven’t already. Their baby teeth fall out to make room for better, stronger ones. They may have a gap now, but when their new teeth finish coming in their smile will be that much brighter!

Keep Up Healthy Habits. Your child should feel confident every time she smiles. Having a tooth missing from their grin can cause them to be self-conscious. It’s up to you to help her understand that her smile is just as beautiful and unique as it’s ever been! They must also stay positive. Brushing, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash is even more important now, since the teeth that will come in are hers forever more. Together, you and your child will make sure the rest of her teeth stay stronger than ever.

Smilestones Photo Tip: Capture your child as they’re grinning from ear to ear, embracing that front gap! Submit at www.teethfirstri.org/smilestones

TeethFirst! Creating healthy smiles for a lifetime.