Should I pull my child’s loose tooth?

Should I Pull My Child's Loose Tooth?

A wiggly tooth is an exciting milestone, but it can leave parents unsure of what to do. When your child keeps poking at it — or starts to fuss because it's bothering them — it's natural to want to just get it over with.

In most cases, though, the best thing you can do is leave it alone and let it fall out on its own. Pulling a tooth before it's ready can cause unnecessary pain, bleeding, and even infection. Here's why letting it fall out is best, how to help the process along safely, and when it's worth checking in with a dentist.

Why Baby Teeth Get Loose in the First Place

Baby teeth (also called primary teeth) are placeholders. Their job is to hold space in your child's jaw until the permanent teeth are ready to come in. When an adult tooth is ready to emerge, it slowly dissolves the root of the baby tooth above it. As that root disappears, the tooth loosens and eventually falls out on its own.

Most children start losing baby teeth around age six, usually beginning with the bottom front teeth, and finish up around age twelve. They tend to fall out in the same order they came in, and there's a wide range of normal — some children start a year or two earlier or later. So a loose tooth is usually a sign that everything is happening exactly as it should.

So, Should You Pull It?

Usually, NO. Since a tooth only loosens once its root has mostly dissolved, letting it come out naturally is almost always painless. Stepping in too early is where problems start: tugging on a tooth that isn't ready pulls on tissue that's still attached, which can cause pain, bleeding, and a higher chance of infection. When it comes to loose teeth, patience really is best.

How to Help It Along Safely

You can gently encourage a loose tooth without forcing it — and it helps to let your child set the pace. Some kids are thrilled for a visit from the tooth fairy; others feel a little nervous. Either way, reassure them it's a normal part of growing up, and never force a tooth if they aren't ready.

• Let your child wiggle it with clean fingers or their tongue. Gentle movement helps it loosen naturally.
• Once it's very loose and your child is comfortable, you can fold a clean tissue over it and give a gentle squeeze. If it's ready, it'll pop right out. If it resists at all, leave it be.
• Skip the old string-and-doorknob trick. Yanking a tooth out before it's ready can hurt, cause bleeding, or leave part of the tooth behind.

When to Check With a Dentist

Most loose teeth need no help at all. But a few situations are worth a professional look:

• The tooth came loose from a fall or knock to the mouth, rather than natural wiggling.
• Your child has ongoing pain, swelling, or signs of infection — losing a baby tooth shouldn't be painful.
• An adult tooth is coming in behind the baby tooth (sometimes called "shark teeth") while the baby tooth stays firmly in place. This is common and often sorts itself out, but if the baby tooth hasn't loosened after a few weeks, a dentist can help remove it so the adult tooth has room.

From first wiggly teeth to routine checkups, our team helps kids feel at ease every step of the way. Book your child's visit with Dentistry at Kanata and we'll take a look.

This article is for general information only and isn't a substitute for professional dental advice. If you're unsure about your child's tooth, your dentist is the best person to ask.