When a permanent tooth starts to develop, it causes the root of the baby tooth to dissolve and makes it loose enough to come out on its own. Pulling out a loose baby tooth early can harm the connective tissues and can result in infection and pain. If you and your child feel that the tooth is ready to fall off and it can be removed with a little help and no pain, there are simple ways to do this.
Here are 7 tips that you can follow to painlessly pull a loose tooth out:
- Loose Tooth Wiggle: Encourage your child to wiggle his/her loose tooth continuously with a regular back and forth movement, either using their tongue or using clean fingers. This will help loosen the tooth further and will make it fall out on its own.
- Crunchy or Chewy Snack: Eating crunchy or chewy foods such as carrots or apples can make the entire tooth-pulling process quick and painless. Chewy candy or a sweet popsicle can also be helpful to decrease the pain and inflammation. However, closely monitor your child to prevent him/her from injuring their mouth or swallowing the loose tooth.
- Brush and Floss Method: Regular brushing and flossing are also useful to give the loose tooth a push in the right direction for removing it naturally. You can also place some floss in the area between the gums and the loose tooth and pull it by yanking it outward quickly.
- A Gentle Twist and Pull: Even when your child has wiggled the tooth for quite some time, but the tooth remains hanging on by a thread, a light twist might work to pop it out. You can make the method easier and sterile by using some medical gauze to turn and pull out the tooth gently.
- Tweezer-Pull Method: This is another best tip that can be applied for pulling a very loose tooth which is not coming out quickly. Take clean tweezers to wiggle the tooth out. It is a painless method that would also prevent bacteria from fingers to get transferred over to the child’s mouth.
- Popping Out Naturally: Explain to your child why it’s essential to allow a loose tooth to fall out naturally. However, if you and your child are sure that the tooth is ready to fall off with little effort and without much discomfort and bleeding, follow the most comfortable and safest methods mentioned above.
- Dentist Consultation: If the tooth is still not falling off, consult a dentist to remove it effortlessly for you. Also, if your child suffers any pain, swelling, or too much bleeding at home during the process, it’s recommended to see the dentist right away to safely and painlessly pull a loose tooth.
As per the American Dental Association, children’s baby teeth usually start to come out by the time they are 6 or 7 years of age. Use the tips given above to assist your child when they need your help to painlessly pull a loose tooth out.
Video Guide: How to get a loose tooth out
WARNINGS: Do not try to force a tooth to come out. If the tooth is not loose and you try to pull it, then it will be painful.
[Also Read: How to Painlessly Pull Out A Loose Baby Tooth]
Frequently asked questions about the loose tooth that you should read:
How long does a loose tooth take to fall out?
Usually, children will lose their first tooth approximately around the age of six. The concern is that although the tooth is loose, it won't fall out immediately. It can get prolonged for several days or weeks before it ultimately falls out. If the tooth and the gums surrounding the tooth are not red or puffy, it’s advisable to wait and encourage the child to wiggle their tooth until it comes out on its own.
Is it safe to pull out a loose tooth?
Generally, it’s recommended that instead of pulling out your child’s loose tooth, you should teach them to wiggle it until it drops out on its own. This practice will help minimize the pain, bleeding, and the risk of damage to sensitive tissues, related to the tooth loss. It's best to consult your dentist if you ever any concern regarding a loose tooth.
Is it safe to wiggle a loose tooth?
Wiggling is an ideal way to help loosen the connection between the root and the tooth and initiate getting that loose tooth out. Your child will inform you when he or she gets a loose tooth. Guide your child to wiggle the tooth back and forth, with their tongue. They can continue wiggling all throughout the day until the tooth comes out, without causing much discomfort.
What causes loose teeth in adults?
A loose or wobbly adult tooth results from the loss of tooth-supporting bone. Various factors are considered responsible for loose tooth problems, in adults, including:
- An injury or accident
- Gum disease
- Grinding teeth during sleep.
Your dentist will assist you in retaining your tooth and cure any underlying issues that may be causative to its wobbly state.
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