Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Baby Tooth?
So your child has a loose tooth! It is tooth fairy time! At some point, every child goes through the natural process of losing their baby teeth. But what if the wiggly pearly white will not fall out? Should you pull it out or give it time to fall out on its own? If you have concerns about your child’s teeth, contact Dentistry for Children to schedule a consultation. Dr. Halum and our dedicated team will ensure your little one’s smile and oral development stay on track. Meanwhile, here is a look at when or if to give a wiggly tooth a helping hand.
Why Do Baby Teeth Become Loose?
Baby teeth are essentially placeholders for the adult teeth developing behind the scenes. As your little one’s jaw grows, you will see spaces forming between those tiny chompers to make room for the larger permanent teeth when it is time for them to erupt.
As your child’s adult teeth grow and develop, the baby teeth will naturally loosen and fall out. While every smile is unique, baby teeth typically start falling out around age six until around 12. Your child’s teeth should fall out in the order they came in. So, keep an eye out for wobbly teeth – it just may be time to prepare for the tooth fairy’s arrival.
Aside from incoming adult teeth, a tooth may become wiggly due to trauma resulting from a fall or an accidental blow to the face. If a baby tooth falls out prematurely, the remaining teeth may shift toward the gap, often leading to misaligned adult teeth, requiring orthodontic treatment down the road. That is why it is important to visit Dentistry for Children to have your little one evaluated. We may recommend a space maintainer to preserve the space left by the missing tooth, safeguarding your child’s smile.
Should You Pull Out a Wiggly Tooth?
Most wiggly baby teeth fall out on their own when they are good and ready, with minimal discomfort or fuss. The best approach is usually to wait and monitor the tooth. While it is often tempting to intervene, as long as your child has no pain or discomfort, it is best to let nature take its course.
But what if your little one is impatient? If a tooth barely wiggles and you are thinking about pliers or tying a string to your door, don’t do it. It is best to wait for the tooth to fall out naturally. Forcing a tooth out when it is not quite ready can cause damage to the gums, roots, and your little one’s jawbone. And imagine the pain your child will endure!
If, however, the tooth is barely hanging by a thread, you may want to lend a helping hand. Wash your hands, grab a tissue, and gently pull on the tooth, which should come out with ease. There should be no pain and only minimal bleeding. Make sure you wrap up the tooth and save it for the tooth fairy!
When Should You Visit Your Highland Dentist?
While losing a baby tooth is usually a smooth and natural process, there are times when your little one may need some help from your Highland dentist. Make sure to contact us if your child experiences the following:
- Pain and Discomfort: Losing a tooth is a natural, painless process, so if your child experiences pain that does not subside, it is best to have the tooth evaluated.
- Difficulty Eating or Speaking: If a wiggly tooth interferes with your child’s ability to eat or if it affects speech, it is time to schedule a dental exam.
- Lack of Progress: Sometimes, a baby tooth that seems loose does not fall out naturally within a few weeks or months, which warrants a visit to your child’s dentist.
- Double Teeth: If a baby tooth stays firmly in place even though the adult replacement starts to erupt, we may need to gently extract it to avoid complications.
- Signs of Infection: Symptoms such as red, swollen gums, a bad mouth odor, or pus around the loose tooth are signs of infection that require immediate dental care.
- Additional Concerns: As a parent, you know your child best, so if you have any concerns about a wiggly tooth or any aspect of your child’s oral health, don’t hesitate to contact us to schedule an appointment.
Maintaining a Bright and Healthy Smile
It’s important to establish good oral hygiene habits from the start to maintain healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We recommend cleaning your little one’s gums with clean gauze after feeding, even before any teeth come in. As soon as the first tooth appears, it’s time to use a soft-bristled, baby-sized toothbrush with a tiny amount of fluoride toothpaste, no larger than a grain of rice. When your child is about three, you can move to a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste. Make sure you monitor brushing time and teach your little one how to spit out the toothpaste.
As soon as two teeth touch, it’s time to add flossing to your child’s oral hygiene routine. Flossing helps remove plaque from the tighter places between the teeth that a toothbrush can’t reach. Regular brushing and flossing can help lower the risk of cavities and gum problems, leaving your child’s smile healthy and bright.
Aside from home oral hygiene, it’s important to keep up with your child’s twice-yearly dental exams and cleanings. Dr. Halum and our dedicated team at Dentistry for Children love to teach our young patients how to care for their teeth so they can enjoy healthy and happy smiles. We will also monitor your little one’s smile to make sure it stays in tip-top shape.
Comprehensive Pediatric Dental Care Near Me in Highland, IN
If you’re not quite sure whether to pull out a wiggly tooth or if you have any concerns about your child’s oral health, contact Dentistry for Children to schedule a consultation. Dr. Halum and our kid-friendly team are happy to answer your questions and offer tips on maintaining good home oral hygiene. We are all about laying the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime. We invite you to call our office at 219-924-5437 to schedule an appointment or use our online form to request one today!