The loss of baby teeth can be an exciting time for both children and their parents. For a child, losing teeth can be a great milestone, but also a great source of stress. As your child explores his or her loose tooth, he or she may ask you for help to pull it out. However, there are a few factors to consider before doing so.

Why is a tooth loose?

A loose baby tooth might mean that a permanent tooth is on the way. As permanent teeth begin to develop and push out into the gumline, the roots of baby teeth dissolve and loosen allowing the tooth to fall out.

However, there are other reasons that your child’s tooth may be loose. If your child has experienced a fall or facial injury, trauma may be the cause of a loose tooth. Also, tooth decay, which has become an increasing problem in pediatric dentistry, may also be the cause of a loose baby tooth. If you suspect your child’s tooth is loose for any reason other than the growth of permanent teeth, please contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

Should you pull out your child’s tooth?

If your child is frustrated with a loose tooth, you may begin to wonder whether or not you should help to remove it. As tempting as it may be, it is generally best to leave it alone.

There are two types of children when it comes to loose teeth, those that can’t wait to lose them and those who are afraid of them falling out. Regardless of which type your child may be, you can rest assured knowing that the baby teeth will fall out eventually with or without help, so there is no need to stress or rush the process!

There are a few considerations to take into account before helping your child with a tooth extraction.

• If pain is felt when the tooth is touched, do not remove it as the tooth is most likely still rooted into the cavity. Pulling out teeth that are not ready can lead to damage and infection.
• Never pull teeth. Teeth that are ready will fall out naturally.
• If you are concerned that your child’s teeth do not seem to be falling out as they should be, please contact your pediatric dentist immediately.

If your child has asked you for help regarding a loose tooth, the best advice is to gently touch the tooth. By gently touching it you can tell how far along the tooth is, if there is any pain and if it is ready to be removed. If it wiggles and you believe it to be ready, wrap the tooth carefully in tissue and squeeze the tooth, this should cause the tooth to fall out without you having to pull at it.

For the most part, it is always best to let nature take its course and avoid creating any unnecessary pain or trauma by pulling out a tooth that is not ready. The natural loss of teeth should be painless and effortless. For more information on how to handle your child’s loose teeth, please contact Tooth + Tusk Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics.