Crafts For the First Lost Tooth: Ideas and Fun Memories

The first thing you should know is that we're not trying to step on the tooth fairy's toes here. No ma’am, no sir. The realm of the tooth fairy is far-reaching, highly adored, and well-respected. However, we are providing a fun, simple, and creative way to celebrate the departure of the first tooth sans sleeping and/or pillows. Here's the plan:

1. Take two photos — one of your child sporting their biggest smile that shows off the missing tooth and another of the tooth in their little paw.
2. Upload and print out the photos of the smile and tooth.
3. Document the occasion by writing your child's name, age, and date of the milestone around the images — you could even name the tooth if you wish.

Okay, the technical portion of the craft is now behind us. Onto decorating and letting your child's artsy side shine. Here's what you can do:

• Arm yourself and your child with a variety of markers, crayons, glue, and glitter.
• Fuel their creativity of what to write and draw with pictures of loose teeth, colorful toothbrushes, toothpaste tubes, motivational sayings, or anything you think they might want to bring to life on a piece of paper.
• Try squirting out thin lines of glue and then sprinkling the glitter on top of it.
• Let your child's imagination and originality run wild as they visually express themselves.
• Remember to let the glue dry before hanging their fresh art on the fridge or wall.

It's really that simple. Plus, it's fun for you and your child. You may be able to predict which tooth pops out first. But you really can't predict how the memory of celebrating this milestone lives on in your heart forever.

Though the best and safest way to pull your child’s tooth out without pain is at the dentist, here are five ways to help make it fun.

1. String/Floss to Doorknob Method - This is a classic because it seems to work. Attach floss or string to your child’s loose tooth on one end and the other to an open door. Shut the door (don’t slam it) and the tooth should pop out.

2. Remote Control Removal - Attach one end of floss/string to a remote-control rocket or car, and the other end to your child’s loose tooth. Hit the gas or send your rocket to the sky and the tooth should fly!

3. Ready, Aim, It’s Free! -  Using a toy dart gun or bow and arrow (the one with the soft darts with suction cups), attach one end of floss or string to the dart and another to the loose tooth. Shoot the dart and bullseye, your child’s tooth should be free.

4. Batter Up - Tie a piece of string around a ball and the other end to the loose tooth. Toss the ball in the air and lightly hit it with a bat.

5. Fido Help - If you have a dog that won’t go too crazy this one can be fun. Attach string to a dog treat or favorite dog toy and the other end to your child’s tooth. Then have your dog fetch and it should pull out your child’s tooth.

If your child’s tooth isn’t ready to come out, don’t try to pull it. Offer them crunchy foods like carrot sticks to help it along and encourage them to wiggle it with their tongue (Hands can be unsanitary). Only try one of the above methods if the tooth is very loose and your child is asking for help to get it out. If it’s not ready and it’s really bothering them, speak to your dentist. However you choose to remove your child’s loose baby tooth, make sure you get plenty of “after” pictures you can display for years to come!

Oral Care Center articles are reviewed by an oral health medical professional. This information is for educational purposes only. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your dentist, physician or other qualified healthcare provider.