Should I Pull My Child’s Loose Tooth?

Primary teeth naturally fall out starting at the age of 6 or 7. But in some cases, they can wiggle earlier. It can be tempting to help your child with this milestone or put an end to their discomfort, but it's important to consider if it's the right thing to do.

Let’s talk more about handling a child’s loose tooth in this post.

Why Does a Child’s Tooth Loosen?

When the permanent tooth is ready to erupt, it will take up the space that the baby tooth left behind. The roots of the baby tooth will dissolve, so it will loosen and eventually fall out. If it’s the right time, the baby tooth must go. There’s no need to force it out.

Normally, the first teeth to erupt will also fall out first. But other reasons, such as injuries, can cause a tooth to fall out prematurely.

Should I Pull Out My Child’s Loose Tooth?

When deciding whether to pull a child’s loose tooth, it’s important to take their age and the tooth’s condition into account. If they're still very young and have just started losing teeth, it might not be the best idea, as their teeth are still very fragile and could easily be damaged in the process.

If your child is old enough for their teeth to come out easily, it may be okay to pull the loose tooth if you feel comfortable doing so. However, if there's any resistance or discomfort, don't force the tooth out, as this could damage the gumline. This can mean that the tooth isn’t fully ready to come out, so it’s best to wait.

If you do decide to proceed, encourage your child to gently move the loose tooth with their tongue or finger. If you would like to assist, make sure that your hands are clean and use slow and steady pressure when pulling the tooth.

Again, don’t force the tooth if it still feels steady.

What Should You Know About Loose Teeth in Children?

Generally, a baby tooth will be ready to come out when it's loose enough that your child can wiggle it with their tongue or remove it with gentle pressure. All children’s teeth come in and fall out at different times, so don’t worry if your child's tooth comes out earlier or later than you expected.

Deciding whether to pull your child’s loose tooth can be a difficult decision. But remember, there's no rush! Letting the tooth come out on its own is often the safest option for your child's dental health.

When Should You See the Dentist About Your Child's Loose Tooth?

If your child’s tooth still refuses to come out after a few days, take them to see their dentist. The dentist can help assess the situation and provide advice on how best to proceed. Additionally, if you experience any resistance or pain when attempting to pull the tooth, reach out to a dentist immediately for professional advice.

Another reason to see the dentist regarding your child’s loose tooth is if the timing is off. For instance, if the last teeth to erupt are the ones getting loose first or if your child is experiencing severe pain.

If you have further questions about loose teeth in children or need dental care services for children in Toronto, ON, contact us at Smyl Dentistry. We're happy to assist you with your dental concerns. For urgent dental situations, we do our best to get you the earliest possible appointment.