When your little one has their first wiggly tooth, it can be nerve-wracking. Not just for them, but for you too! From the fear of pain to the excitement of the milestone each tooth brings. Not to mention a parent’s worry about pulling baby teeth safely to avoid injury, infection, and discomfort for their child. That’s why we have put together a list of our favorite tricks for quickly and painlessly removing a tooth. Keep reading for the tips you need to start leaving a little something under your little one’s pillow!
Easing any worries
When it comes to easing your child’s worries, you don’t have to wait until that first tooth starts wiggling. Remember, this can be a scary experience for them! That’s why we recommend introducing the concept to them before their fifth birthday, in case they start losing baby teeth early. Be sure to explain patiently, ask them how they feel about it, and let them ask questions. Do your best to show them that it is a natural and important part of life. This is your chance to help them look forward to the big beautiful smile ahead!
Timing it right
Just because a tooth starts to become loose doesn’t mean that it is the right time. Sometimes a tooth will fall out all on its own, other times, it might need a little help. But pulling baby teeth too early can cause unnecessary pain and risk for your little one. The best time is when you notice your kiddo wiggling their own tooth back and forth. Don’t hesitate to encourage them to loosen it lightly on their own with gentle movement as long as it doesn’t hurt. This will help make it easier to fall out and show you when the timing is right. Once the loose tooth is really wiggling, you can help pull it out.
Preventing pain and discomfort
The key to avoiding pain is not rushing the process. Remember, it is crucial that your child feels both physically and emotionally ready for that tooth to come out. So, don’t force it. Let them wiggle it until they feel ready and until the tooth is clearly ready to come out. For a truly painless process, or if your child is nervous, we encourage parents to visit your pediatric dentist. They can use a mild anesthetic to prevent pain and ensure a safe pull for stubborn baby teeth that just want to stay put.
Pulling baby teeth properly
If you decide to give it a try at home, stick to basic methods (no floss tied to the door handle please) in order to ensure a smooth and safe experience for your child. When the tooth does come out, there is likely to be a slight wound. So, be absolutely sure that your hands and any other tools you use are clean. Start by washing both your hands and your child’s. Then, wet a piece of sterile gauze from your first aid kit. Grip the loose tooth firmly, turn it a little, and quickly pull the tooth out.
Tackling a stubborn tooth
If the tooth simply won’t budge, we suggest using dental floss to help loosen the tooth. Push the floss around the tooth on both sides and gently push it between the tooth and the gums. This can help put additional pressure on the tooth and loosen it enough to make it easier to pull. If the tooth simply won’t come out, wait a bit longer or don’t hesitate to visit a professional to have it done the right way.
Cleaning the wound
The most important part of losing baby teeth? Clean up! While there shouldn’t be a lot of blood, there usually is some and sometimes even more than you expected. So, when pulling baby teeth, always be prepared with sterile gauze to apply on the wound with pressure until the bleeding stops. Always check to make sure that the tooth did not break and that there are no broken bits of tooth still in your child’s mouth.
Keeping an eye on it
Once the tooth is out and the clean up is done, your job is not over! Keep a close eye on the wound for any pain or redness. If your child experiences any unusual pain or inflammation, be sure to call your pediatrician or visit your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to ensure there is not an infection. We encourage all of our parents to keep us informed about their child’s journey losing baby teeth and pulling them too! We can provide you with everything you need to know to follow the best hygiene practices, plus how to prevent infection, and manage pain.
At Ocean Pediatrics, we are here for your entire family every step, and tooth, of the way! We want to help you make your little one’s experience as positive as possible. Please feel free to reach out to our passionate pediatricians who would be more than happy to talk you through every pull or address any concerns you might have. To make an appointment, visit us at ocean-pediatrics.com.
