IF YOUR CHILD IS LOSING BABY TEETH, do you ever ask yourself if you should let them fall out naturally, let the child pull them out, or just pull them yourself? Of course, in the end, the decision is yours. You’re the parent. However, Dr. Hines and Dr. Anderson offer the following 5 considerations as you try to make these decisions in your family:
- Dentists today (for the most part) offer parents the following advice… DON’T pull your children’s teeth out. You can encourage them to pull them out themselves by wiggling their tooth with their fingers or their tongue. This is primarily because only your child knows for sure how loose a tooth really is—and how attached it really is! They also know how much discomfort they’re able and willing to take.
- If your kid has waited long enough to pull it out, there shouldn’t be much bleeding—pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure for a few minutes.
- There are times, as a permanent tooth pushes the baby tooth out, the new tooth will push the baby tooth in an unusual direction that can affect the gums. If that happens, and you have a questions about it, contact our office. It may be best to have us help pull the tooth. This is actually quite rare.
- Sometimes by waiting longer, the tooth may come out unexpectedly when your child is eating. Although not usual, the tooth can be swallowed. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely that he or she will choke on it. The tooth fairy may be a little bit disappointed, but a swallowed tooth is not harmful.
- We have heard of some parents offering their child a fresh, crisp, delicious apple! If the tooth is loose enough, it will likely come out.
So, there you go! Thoughts from our office about your children losing their baby teeth. Again we remind you to be sure to go to our Facebook Timeline and “Like” it! And follow us on Twitter for interesting tips about your son or daughter’s oral health!
