Around the age of six or seven, your child’s baby teeth begin to loosen to make room for their permanent set. Since this experience can be a bit anxiety-inducing for your little one, it’s best to normalize the process and give them lots of encouragement. You should not, however, force a tooth loose with methods used decades prior, like tying their tooth to a doorknob and slamming it shut. Instead, follow the below dos and don’ts to encourage your child’s baby teeth to fall out.
#1. Do Tell Your Child to Use Their Tongue
To make room for their permanent set, your child’s baby teeth begin to loosen. When this happens naturally, the process can be expedited with some gentle wiggling. To do so safely, encourage your child to use their tongue to move their tooth forward and backward repeatedly. Doing so consistently will cause the tooth to gradually loosen, preparing it to fall out entirely.
#2. Don’t Encourage Them to Use Their Fingers
To wiggle a tooth free, your child may be tempted to use their fingers. However, the force can damage their gums and soft tissue. Not to mention the dangers of introducing the bacteria on their hands into their mouth!
#3. Do Take It Slow
Losing baby teeth is a process – it rarely happens overnight. Therefore, don’t attempt any extreme methods, like tying a piece of string to a doorknob. This can traumatize your child and negatively impact their oral health. Remember, losing a tooth shouldn’t be bloody or scary. It should happen gradually and be pain-free.
#4. Don’t Hesitate to Offer Crunchy Foods
Parents often offer their kids soft foods, like yogurt and applesauce, when their teeth start to wiggle. However, crunchy snacks are a great way to loosen their teeth over time too! Therefore, don’t hesitate to incorporate vitamin-rich options, like crisp apples and raw celery into their diet.
#5. Do Talk to Their Dentist
Your child’s dentist is an expert on growing smiles. So, if one of your little one’s teeth is particularly stubborn or their adult teeth are making an appearance early, don’t hesitate to give them a call! From there, they can monitor their development and create a game plan moving forward.
Losing baby teeth is a natural part of your child growing into their smile. To make the experience as stress-free as possible, keep the above dos and don’ts in mind. And, of course, if you need any pointers along the way, don’t hesitate to ask their dentist!
About the Practice
At Simply Pediatric Dentistry & Orthodontics, our skilled pediatric dentists and orthodontists are here to help growing smiles stay happy, healthy, and beautiful. Each of our talented team members are united behind our mission to provide gentle, compassionate, enjoyable kids dentistry that leaves your child genuinely looking forward to their next visit! So, whether it’s time for their six-month checkup, they need braces, or something in between, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our team via our website or by phone at 781-767-7200.