Tackling Your Dental Treatment Plan

It's finally happened. You spotted a wiggly tooth in your child's mouth, suggesting that they are about to lose their first tooth. You may be tempted to pull out that tooth, but is that a good idea? Here are a few things you need to know before you wiggle that tooth.

Loose Teeth Are Natural & Normal

When a tooth becomes loose, it's because the root of the tooth has begun to dissolve. This is a natural process that happens as your child's permanent teeth start to come in behind their baby teeth. The process is called resorption.

By the time your child reaches adolescence, all of their baby teeth should be gone. But does that mean you should expedite the process by pulling on those loose teeth?

Fight the Temptation to Wiggle

It's best to let nature take its course. If you try to pull out a tooth that isn't ready to come out, you could damage the surrounding teeth, gums, and even your child's jaw. You could also cause your child a lot of pain in the process.

If the tooth is only slightly loose, try to leave it alone. The tooth will likely fall out on its own within a few days or weeks. If your child is really struggling to not wiggle the tooth, have them try to push it back into place with their tongue.

If your child moves the tooth around a bit, it's not the end of the world. Just make sure they brush and floss carefully around that tooth until it falls out.

What to Expect After the Tooth Falls Out

Once the tooth falls out, your child may feel a little pressure when biting or a dull ache. These are normal and should go away within a few days.

If the socket looks empty, don't worry! The tooth will grow back. You may notice some light bleeding, but it should be minimal.

When to Call the Dentist

If a tooth is only loosely attached to the gums, there's no need to call the dentist. But if the tooth is completely out of the socket or if your child is in a lot of pain, you should give your dentist a call.

You should also call the dentist if your child has any other symptoms, such as bleeding gums, redness, or swelling. These could be signs of an infection.

For more information, reach out to a local pediatric dental clinic, such as Rabel Family Dentistry.