Should I Pull My Child’s Tooth?
June 29, 2023 8:02 pmIf you’re the parent of a child who has started to experience loose baby teeth, you are probably wondering whether you should pull the loose tooth or leave it alone. It may seem like a harmless thing to do—after all, if the tooth is going to fall out anyway, why not speed things along? But the truth is that pulling your child’s tooth before it is ready can have some negative repercussions.
Potential Complications of Pulling Your Child’s Tooth
If you decide to pull your child’s loose tooth, it could cause undue distress to your child, both physically and emotionally.
On the physical side, pulling teeth before they are ready to come out causes unnecessary pain and bleeding. In some cases, it can lead to gum damage, infection, or problems with how their adult teeth grow in.
Pulling your child’s tooth too early can also instill dental-related anxiety in your child. If pulling the tooth leads to discomfort and blood—as it often does—your child may begin to develop negative feelings about their mouth and having people touch their teeth, causing larger problems down the line.
What to Do Instead
Patience is key when it comes to baby teeth! The best thing to do is just wait for the teeth to fall out when they are ready. In the meantime, encourage your child to gently wiggle their tooth with their tongue, a tissue, or freshly washed hands. When the time is right, the tooth will fall out on its own without any excess pain, blood, or associated trauma.
Family Dentistry in Alvin, TX
If you become concerned about any particularly stubborn baby teeth or if you have any questions about your child’s dental health, Magnolia Family Dental is here to help! Our team provides quality comprehensive dental care for patients of all ages. We are especially passionate about teaching kids the importance of proper oral hygiene from an early age. Contact us today to schedule an appointment!
Categorised in: Family Dental Care