It’s an exciting moment when your child loses their first tooth. If you’re planning on playing the tooth fairy, it also requires a little planning and ingenuity on your part. If your family dentist has told you your child’s tooth is due to fall out, here are a few tips for planning a successful tooth fairy visit.

How to Play the Tooth Fairy

1. Know All Answers

Your child will ask questions about the tooth fairy, so have your story straight. Know how to answer questions about when she comes, how she gets in, how she trades the tooth without waking them up, and what she uses the tooth for.

Telling your child that the fairy won’t come unless they’re asleep is crucial to ensuring they don’t stay up all night. This will ensure they’re fast asleep when you come in to take the tooth.

2. Encourage Oral Hygiene

Your family dentist will love it if you use the tooth fairy to encourage your child to take care of their teeth.

Tell them that the fairy pays more for cavity-free teeth, such as $2 for healthy ones versus $1 for ones with cavities. If your child is diligent about cleaning, make sure to give them the extra buck they deserve.

3. Decide Where to Put the Tooth

Having your child put the tooth in an envelope makes it easier for you to collect it. 

If you’re worried that they’ll wake up when you reach under their pillow, you could also suggest a different spot, such as their dresser or nightstand.

4. Explain Differences in Stories

Your child’s tooth fairy story may differ from other kids’ stories at school. Saying that the fairy remembers family traditions and does every job a little differently is an effective way to explain away these discrepancies.

If they ask why some kids get more money than others, you could also suggest that there’s more than one fairy, each giving a different amount. 

The dentists at Parkway Family Dental in Kalispell, MT, offer compassionate and comprehensive family dentistry. They’ll keep your child comfortable during their appointments and ensure they’re following the recommended teeth cleaning practices. Learn about their services online, and call (406) 752-2372 to schedule your child’s appointment today.