Loose baby teeth are a sign that permanent adult teeth are starting to grow in. This is an exciting development, but it can be stressful to have loose teeth. Here are our tips on what to do when a baby tooth is loose.
What Are the Signs That a Baby Tooth Needs To Be Pulled?
If a tooth is moving out of place when you wiggle it, it’s not necessarily a sign that it’s ready to be pulled. It should come out with a gentle pull. If you are using more force than that, it’s too soon to pull out the tooth. Be careful if you think the tooth is loose from non-natural causes like a bad fall. You’ll want to consult with our team at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry to determine the best way to treat a loose tooth in that situation. A tooth that is pulled prematurely may affect the placement of future adult teeth.
Should I Pull Out a Baby Tooth?
It’s best to let nature take its course with loose baby teeth. It should be fine for your child to wiggle the tooth around, but the tooth will most likely fall out on its own or with a gentle pull. You don’t want to force a loose tooth out since this could cause infection or unnecessary pain for your child.
What To Do When a Baby Tooth Falls Out
Once the loose tooth falls out, have your child rinse out their mouth with clean water. You can use a cold compress like an ice pack to help with any soreness. Losing baby teeth is a milestone marked in various ways in different cultures so feel free to celebrate! If you’re concerned about a particular loose tooth, consider making an appointment with our team to evaluate the situation.
Pediatric Care at Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry
At Shaenfield Pediatric Dentistry, we want you and your child to experience a personal and compassionate touch during your dental visits. We believe that we can help your child take an active interest in caring for their teeth. Regular preventive care cleanings and exams play an important role as your child starts losing their primary teeth and getting their permanent teeth. If you need to schedule an appointment, please give us a call. We look forward to helping your child have a smile that will last them a lifetime.
