One of the most popular topics our dentist near Fort Wayne, Indiana, discusses with parents is what to do when dealing with a child’s loose tooth. Growing teeth is uncomfortable for most kids, but losing teeth can also be an unpleasant experience. Around the age of six, children begin to lose their baby teeth in order to make room for their permanent teeth. When this happens, many kids will experience loose, wiggly teeth, often lasting for days before falling out. An awkward loose tooth is bothersome for children, and when faced with this situation, parents often take matters into their own hands. Before attempting to remove your child’s loose tooth, we want you to know a few things.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Dealing with a Loose Tooth- Tips from Our Dentist Near Fort Wayne, Indiana
Do
Our expert dentist stresses the importance of waiting until the tooth is loose enough to fall out without being forced. Many times, a child can work the tooth out with their tongue, but slight wiggling with a sterile cloth can also help. It’s also a good idea to make the situation as pleasant as possible for your kids. Rewarding brave behavior with their favorite snack or a visit from the tooth fairy can help make an unpleasant experience a little more fun for your children. Plus, it sets a positive stage for the next time, which could be sooner than you think.
Don’t
Our dentist near Fort Wayne urges parents against pulling the tooth prematurely. It’s always best to wait until a tooth falls out on its own, naturally. Pulling it before it’s ready could cause your child significant pain, excessive bleeding, and potential infection. Encourage your child to brush their teeth twice or more a day, or even eat an apple, to loosen the tooth and allow it to fall out on its own.
Need Professional Help? – See Our Dentist Near Fort Wayne, Indiana
When to See a Dental Professional
If your child is complaining of tooth pain, you should give us a call. Our expert dental team can answer your questions, suggest the next steps to be taken, or schedule an appointment for your child. Even if the tooth falls out naturally, contact a professional if the area is red or painful the day after the tooth falls out or is removed.
The information provided in this article is not meant to be medical advice and is for educational purposes only. If you would like to learn more about this and other dentistry-related topics, feel free to contact Turtle Town Dental, with a convenient dental office location near Fort Wayne, Indiana, by clicking here or by calling 260.693.9300.