Children typically begin losing their primary teeth in the early years of grade school and will probably have their complete adult set by the age of thirteen. Loose baby teeth typically fall out on their own without any help, and removing one too early can lead to dental alignment issues later in life. However, sometimes a stubborn baby tooth can cause a child discomfort. Here’s a brief guide to how to safely remove a baby tooth that is ready to come out.
How Can a Loose Baby Tooth Be Safely Removed?
If your child’s loose primary tooth is hanging by a thread and giving them trouble, you can help them remove it in ways like:
- Telling them to use their tongue to wiggle the tooth until it falls out.
- Discouraging them from touching the tooth with their fingers, as this can cause oral injuries and expose the mouth to harmful bacteria.
- Telling them that they can expect a small amount of bleeding.
- Having them bite down on a bit of gauze after the tooth is removed to help the blood clot faster.
What Are Some Other Safe Baby Tooth-Removal Techniques?
Some traditional baby tooth removal methods have stood the test of time due to their being effective and fun. If your child’s loose baby tooth is practically out of its socket but still hanging on by a thread of connective tissue, you can suggest that they try:
- The old string-and-doorknob method: You almost undoubtedly remember this from your childhood. Tie one end of a piece of string to a doorknob and the other to the loose tooth. Shut the door firmly to quickly pull the tooth out.
- The doggy treat technique: Tie one end of a string to your dog’s collar and the other to your child’s loose tooth. Show your dog a treat to get their interest and throw it a short distance so they run after it. The tooth should come out easily.
- Play ball: Tie the end of a string to a baseball or softball and the other around the loose baby tooth. Throw the ball in the air and hit it with a bat to safely remove the tooth.
- Biting into an apple: Getting a loose baby tooth wedged in the crunchy meat of an apple is often enough to break it loose from its connective tissue.
Losing baby teeth should be a fun rite of passage and an opportunity to learn about how teeth work and how to take care of them. If your child’s baby teeth are causing them discomfort but are not ready to come out, contact your pediatric dentist for help.
About the Author
Dr. Sam Antoon earned his dental degree at Southern Illinois University School of Dental Medicine before completing a one-year graduate practice residency. He is proud to serve as a member of the American Dental Association, the Texas Dental Association, and the Fourth District Dental Society. His office in Plano offers general, restorative, cosmetic, and pediatric dentistry. If you are concerned about your child’s loose tooth, contact his office online or dial (972) 640-6229.