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How to Safely Pull Your Child’s Loose Tooth

March 16, 2021

Has your son or daughter been telling you they have a loose baby tooth? If so, chances are they can barely think about anything else! Often, baby teeth fall out on their own, but sometimes, they need a little bit of help. Read on to learn how to safely pull your child’s loose tooth.

When to Pull Out Your Child’s Loose Tooth

Generally, you shouldn’t pull your child’s tooth right after they tell you that it’s loose. Baby teeth are essential in guiding adult teeth into place and helping the jaw and other facial structures develop. Removing a tooth too early could lead to crooked adult teeth and other dental problems later on.  

If you plan on pulling your child’s loose tooth, first make sure that it is extremely loose in the socket. If it’s only a little bit lose, or your little one feels pain when the tooth is touched, then this could indicate that the underlying roots are not dissolved enough to safely remove it.

How to Help Your Child Pull Their Own Loose Tooth

Maybe your son or daughter wants the independence of removing their loose tooth by themselves. In that case, you can tell them to use their tongue to gently wiggle the tooth. They could also use their fingers, but be sure they wash their hands first!

Having them chew crunchy foods may also help. Munching on hard, healthy foods like apples and carrots not only cleans teeth, but it can further loosen an already loose tooth.

How to Safely Pull Your Child’s Loose Tooth

If your little one wants you to pull their tooth for them, there is a way to do so safely. Start by thoroughly washing your hands. Hold the tooth with a clean tissue and rock it back and forth to ensure it’s ready to fall out. If it is, then all you should need to do is twist it slightly, and it should pop right out.

A baby tooth that is ready to come out shouldn’t cause much if any bleeding, but if there is, apply firm pressure to the area with a clean gauze pad. Check their mouth to ensure there are no remaining pieces of the baby tooth. If there are, or if your son or daughter is experiencing lingering pain or redness, contact your children’s dentist right away to make sure that the area isn’t infected.

Loose teeth can be exciting for kids, but it’s usually best to wait until the teeth are ready to fall out on their own. If you’re not sure when your little one’s tooth should come out, don’t be afraid to call the dentist for help.

About the Author

Dr. Tera Pollock has been helping young smiles for more than 23 years. Her dental office, Rowlett Dental Kids, combines state-of-the-art technology with a caring and friendly team to deliver stellar service designed to help kids’ smiles grow up to be healthy and happy. If you need help pulling your child’s loose tooth, feel free to contact Dr. Pollock via her website or at (469) 284-8895.

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