A loose tooth is a big childhood milestone. As exciting as it is for your child, it can cause a bit of angst as a parent as you wait for it to wiggle out.
So what can you do when your child has a loose tooth?
Keep it Light and Positive
The best thing you can do when your child announces that their tooth is loose is stay calm and encouraging. Explain that losing baby teeth is a natural part of growing up and it means their grown-up teeth are getting ready to come in. If they’re nervous, reassure them that it’s normal for the tooth to feel a little strange or wiggly before it falls out.
Hands Off or Gentle Wiggles Only
It’s tempting to want to “help things along” with a tug, but it’s usually best to let the tooth fall out naturally. Encourage your child to gently wiggle it with their tongue or clean fingers. Trying to pull it out too soon can cause pain, bleeding, or damage to the surrounding gum tissue.
If the tooth is dangling by a thread and your child is ready, a soft tissue or clean gauze can help you give it a tiny, gentle twist. Ultimately, the last thing you want to do is rush things. Let nature run its course.
Watch for Any Red Flags
Most baby teeth come out with little issue but keep an eye out for signs that something’s not quite right. If your child experiences swelling, pus, or persistent pain, it might be a sign of infection or another issue. In that case, it’s always wise to schedule a quick dental check-up to make sure everything’s on track.
Genesee Dental is renowned for being a great pediatric dentistry office in Batavia. To make an appointment, contact us.