3 Dos and Don’ts of Pulling Baby Teeth

Parents will face the dilemma of dealing with baby teeth that have become loose. According to statistics, children start to lose their baby teeth at age six. Loose baby teeth are making the way for the adult teeth and certain precautions should be taken. By reviewing the dos and don’ts of pulling baby teeth, parents avoid unnecessary risks.

The Do’s:

1. Set Up Professional Extractions When Possible

Parents should consider the benefits of professional extractions when removing baby teeth. Dental professionals can complete the task where it is less painful for the child, and they won’t leave any pieces of the tooth behind. Parents can review these opportunities by contacting the best family dentist near me now.

2. Make Sure Your Child Continues to Brush

Dental professionals recommend that the child continue to brush the tooth even if it is loose to prevent dental problems. Despite what many people believe, the baby teeth require brushing and flossing just like adult teeth, and it is best to teach children proper dental hygiene as early as possible. They shouldn’t avoid brushing their teeth just because a baby tooth is loose.

3. Let Your Kid Wiggle the Tooth Around

Parents can encourage their child to wiggle the tooth around to help it along. They shouldn’t wiggle it too much if the tooth is causing pain or discomfort. However, as most parents know, if a child has a loose tooth, they are likely to try to move it around. This is fine and won’t cause any damage to the adult teeth.

What Not to Do:

1. Try to Pull the Tooth With Old-Fashioned Tactics

Many parents will try old-fashioned ways to pull teeth, and dental professionals do not recommend them. They should never tie a string to the tooth and then tie the other end to a door and slam the door. This could cause an injury, and it will hurt.

If the tooth is bothering the child, it is best to take them to the dentist and allow the dentist to extract the tooth safely. The trauma from these old methods could injure the adult teeth, and it will make the child less likely to tell their parents when another tooth becomes loose.

2. Don’t Force the Tooth Before It Is Ready

There is a natural process for losing baby teeth, and the teeth will become loose on their own. If the child or the parent tries to force the tooth to come out before it is time, the child will have to wait longer for the adult tooth to erupt through the gum line. It could also cause gum tissue damage that can increase the risk of infections. It is best to give the baby teeth the time to become loose on their own.

3. Try to Pull It With Dirty Hands

Parents who must try to pull their child’s baby teeth should always wash their hands before their attempts. Germs and debris can cause children to become ill, and there is no point in placing them at further risk. Parents should wash their hands before any attempts to remove a child’s tooth.  

Parents are familiar with the notion of the tooth fairy, and many children, as they lose their baby teeth, could become way too excited. For this reason, parents should follow strict guidelines and monitor their children’s baby teeth. The teeth will start to become loose around the age of six.