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The dental care your child has when they’re young will impact their smile as an adult. As they grow up, they will lose their baby teeth, and these will be replaced by permanent adult teeth. This process usually begins around age six or seven. When a baby tooth becomes loose, kids may complain about the strange and sometimes uncomfortable sensations that result. Find out what you can do as a parent below.

Why You Should Never Pull a Tooth Prematurely

As a permanent tooth grows in, the roots of the baby tooth dissolve. Eventually, the immature tooth will be loose enough to fall out painlessly. If your little one has had a tooth wiggling around for a while, you may be tempted to speed along the process by pulling it yourself.

dental careHowever, pulling a tooth before it's ready can cause excessive bleeding, damage the sensitive gum tissues, and lead to an infection. Also, don’t remove teeth prematurely, as the adult tooth may then grow in crooked. If the tooth is loosely attached and your child doesn't complain of pain when you pull on it, it may be ready to go.

How to Remove a Tooth When It’s Ready

Before you undertake any at-home dental care, wash your hands. Take a clean tissue or piece of gauze and grab hold of the tooth. Wiggle it gently back and forth. If it's ready, it will pop right out. You shouldn't have to twist or jerk on it. If you need to, it's not ready to be removed.

Once the tooth is out, examine the gums to make sure it's fully out and no pieces are left behind. If fragments remain, see a dental care professional for total removal. If your child complains of pain in the following days and you notice redness, a bad smell, pus, or other signs of infection, you should also see a dentist.

 

Four Corners Dental Group offers comprehensive dental care for the entire family. Their pediatric dentists are skilled at handling the needs of young patients and making them feel at ease. Review their comprehensive general and cosmetic dentistry services online. They have locations in Wasilla and Anchorage, AK. For an appointment at the office nearest you, call (907) 258-3384 (Anchorage) or (907) 376-2790 (Wasilla). 

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