Losing teeth is something of a rite of passage for children. Putting a tooth under their pillow in hopes of getting a visit from the Tooth Fairy is exciting. But what happens if your child doesn’t have a tooth to put under their pillow because they swallowed it? What should you do then?
Don’t Panic
The first thing to do upon discovering that your child has swallowed a tooth is actually something to not do: don’t panic. Yes, it’s a little unusual and may have you concerned. It’s nothing to panic over though. Remember, your child might be a bit surprised and worried about it too. By keeping yourself calm, you’ll help them stay calm as well.
Swallowing Baby Teeth
Sometimes baby teeth fall out while a child is eating. That can easily result in your child swallowing their tooth without them even realizing it. The good news is that you don’t need to worry about a baby tooth getting stuck. Baby teeth are made up primarily of calcium, so they’ll dissolve mostly, if not entirely, in your child’s stomach acid. If it’s not entirely dissolved, it will be small enough that it should pass through their system without any trouble.
Swallowing Permanent Teeth
Permanent teeth are larger than baby teeth, so there is a chance that they could become stuck in the digestive tract. If your child swallows a permanent tooth, call their doctor. They’ll be able to tell you if you should bring your child in for an x-ray to determine if the tooth will be able to pass on its own. Permanent teeth aren’t meant to be lost, so you may also need to make a call to your child’s dentist. They can help you choose a tooth replacement option that best suits the needs of both you and your child.
It can be disconcerting to learn that your child has swallowed one of their teeth. Try not to worry too much though, especially if it’s a baby tooth. Swallowing a permanent tooth may cause some minor concern, but even that shouldn’t be a problem in most cases. If your child is worried about missing out on a visit from the Tooth Fairy, just tell them that the Tooth Fairy is aware of their lost tooth and is sure to visit anyway. They’ll be just as excited the next morning even without a tooth under their pillow.
Losing a permanent tooth warrants a visit to Stellar Kids Dentistry ASAP. Click here to schedule an appointment today.