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As our kids grow we look forward to their milestones; first steps, first words, first day of school, losing teeth, you know the usual string of ‘firsts’. What happens when your kid misses one of those marks? I’m thankful that my kids are healthy and progressing normally, but I did have a mini freak-out moment with my 6 year old last week. Some of you may think this is silly, but when you’re a ‘little kid mom’ for the first time (my other is my stepson) you tend to blow things out of proportion. Who’s with me?
Last year in Kindergarten he was one of just a handful of kids who hadn’t lost any teeth by the end of the school year. Even though the dentist told us his adult teeth are ‘right there’, there was no sign of any movement. Late in the summer his two lower front teeth became slightly loose, and while he was excited at the prospect of the tooth fairy visiting, I was ecstatic at reaching another one of his ‘firsts’. I thought it would be so cool to start the school year missing not just one, but TWO teeth! My kid would be so cool.
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Fast forward SIX weeks and although I check often, there has been no progress on his teeth loosening up at all! I wiggle them, ask him to wiggle them, feed him apples, and do everything you are supposed to do, with no result whatsoever. Last week on one of my usual tooth checks, I noticed that behind one of his ‘loose’ teeth was another, very large tooth peeking through his gums. His adult tooth is coming in BEFORE his baby teeth come out! I told him about it and he said he’d felt something there for a few days, but didn’t think anything of it (we then had the ‘you tell mommy if you ever notice ANYTHING different on your body, ever” talk). He thought it was way cool that he was growing ‘shark teeth’. Sigh.
I envisioned a future of ridiculously crooked teeth, braces, a giant retainer, and years of orthodontic care. I called the dentist immediately thinking I should clear my calendar and rush down there, after all my son’s beautiful smile was on the line. After I rambled on to the receptionist about my so-called issue, she calmed me down and told me it was totally normal. Of course she’s wrong so I googled it and lo and behold, she was actually right. Apparently this is quite common. The baby tooth will still likely come out on its own, and often times the new tooth will move itself into place. In the event that it doesn’t the Dentist can extract ouch), but that is rare. Wha? You mean I panicked for absolutely nothing? I never do that.
My reaction sounds ridiculous in retrospect, I felt kind of silly for making a big deal about something so seemingly small, you know in light of all the problems going on in this world. However, I don’t think I am the only one who would be concerned in this situation. When you have a small child anything that makes them seem less than perfect can stress a mom out, especially if they’re your first, or only, as in my case.
The most important thing is to look at the facts, call a professional for advice, and do your own research. More times than not there is nothing to worry about and if there is, panicking is not going to make it any better. I hope I can start to take my own advice soon!
For now I am continuing to thank God for an intelligent, vivacious, well behaved, and overall an amazing child, ‘shark teeth’ and all.
In a funny little twist of fate, just a few days after writing this post my son’s tooth decided to make an exodus, and make room for its replacement, which as you know had already moved in.
And just like that, the Tooth Fairy made an overnight appearance, and he woke up happy. Now I’m patiently waiting for that new tooth to fall into place. Wish me luck:)
Can you relate? In what instances have you lost your mind over nothing?
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