Losing baby teeth is a normal part of childhood, but parents may wonder how to cope when this happens. In most cases, parents don’t need to do much to help a child who has a loose primary tooth. However, a child may worry that something is wrong with his or her teeth if they aren’t prepared. A parent can reassure a child who has a wiggling tooth that the situation is normal, and most children are excited because it can mean that they will receive money from the Tooth Fairy. Here is some of the best dental care advice from our dentist about losing baby teeth.
Advice 1: Don’t Force a Baby Tooth Removal
When your child has a wiggling baby tooth, don’t remove it forcibly because it can cause discomfort, bleeding, or infection. While the wiggly tooth may feel annoying, it is better to allow it to fall from the gum tissue naturally. This gives the child’s gum tissue a chance to heal, and there are fewer problems from pain, bleeding, or infection.
Advice 2: Encourage Wiggling the Loose Tooth
When a baby tooth is loose, a child may want to wiggle it gently with his or her tongue, and this is a great way to continue loosening the tooth in its socket. Also, your child might push and pull on the tooth occasionally with their fingers to alleviate any discomfort.
Advice 3: An Injury Dislodges a Child’s Baby Tooth
If your child has an injury that dislodges one of their baby teeth, then you should visit our dental office right away. Certain primary teeth need to remain in the mouth for many years, so an injured tooth may need a repair to keep it in place.
Advice 4: You Can See a Permanent Tooth
When you are helping your child brush or floss, you may notice an adult or permanent tooth erupting near a baby tooth. This is an abnormal situation that requires a trip to our dental office. Our dentist can remove a baby or primary tooth so that the permanent tooth will grow in the proper position in your child’s mouth.
Advice 5: Caring for Baby Teeth
Your child needs to continue caring for his or her baby teeth with regular brushing and flossing. This will prevent decay in the primary teeth along with protecting the sensitive gum tissue. The removal of food debris and bacteria will also prevent infections in the alveolar bones of the gums or the jawbone of the face. The permanent tooth is often only slightly below the top of the gum tissue, so with proper oral hygiene, your child can have healthier adult teeth.
Call Us Today
If you need any additional information about losing baby teeth, please call North View Dental in North Ogden, Utah at 801-782-6681. We have a comfortable and professional office where children can receive expert dental care. We can arrange a routine or an emergency dental appointment for your child.
