The Right Way To Help Your Child With Loose Baby Teeth
Should you pull your child's loose baby teeth? If yes, how should you do it? These are two of the most common questions that children's dentistry professionals receive. Read on for some insights on this topic.
To Pull or Not?
The general consensus in the children's dentistry space is that you shouldn't pull your child's loose teeth. Instead, allow the teeth to come out on their own. Loose teeth can cause sensitivity, and the whole situation may stress your child as they try to eat. However bad it may seem, it's best to avoid forcing out the teeth.
Pulling a loose tooth that is still somewhat intact in the socket may cause some parts to remain in the socket and may harm the tissue in the process. All this increases the risk of your child ending up with an infection, which will no doubt require a visit to a pediatric dentist.
The only scenario where you may get away with pulling is if the tooth is extremely loose and dangling from the socket.
What to Do
While you shouldn't pull out your child's loose teeth, there are a few things you can do to help them out and get things going.
Encourage Using the Tongue
Tell your child to gently wiggle the loose tooth back and forth using their tongue. They can also use a clean finger to wiggle the tooth. Ensure that the fingers are clean to prevent introducing germs into the mouth.
The Right Foods Help
An apple can help keep the dentist away when your child is dealing with a loose tooth. The force it takes to bite down on an apple helps to loosen the tooth in its socket further, and if it is ready for removal, the force may be enough to dislodge it from the socket completely. Do this, and you don't have to worry about damaging the gum tissue. Hard foods will only worsen your child's discomfort, and you will want to stick to soft foods at this time.
Get Professional Help
It may take some time before your child's loose tooth finally comes out, and you shouldn't rush things. However, if it's been too long and you have waited long enough, don't hesitate to call or visit a children's dentistry specialist.
You may also want to see the dentist if your child complains of extreme sensitivity and pain around the loose tooth as they wiggle it around the mouth. Pediatric dentists have the expertise to deal with any issues that may arise while having their baby teeth come out. For more information, contact a company like Smile Solutions LLC.
Share
