4 Ways to Safely Remove Your Child’s Loose Tooth

As a parent, you likely know that baby teeth often fall out on their own. These parts of your little one’s smile don’t usually need help to leave, with most being lost during day-to-day life. However, there’s always a chance your child’s loose tooth will bother them; you should prepare accordingly. The good news is that your local Lynchburg dentist is here to help you do so. That said, read on to learn four safe ways to remove loose baby teeth.

Use the Wiggle Method

Maybe your child is using their tongue to “play” with the loose tooth. If so, leave them be; wiggling the pearly white is a great way to dislodge it.

You only need to guide the wiggling when your child uses their fingers. In that case, you’ll want to ensure they wash their hands before they start. Skipping that step lets harmful bacteria spread, putting your kiddo’s mouth at risk of infection.

Try Crisp or Crunchy Foods

Crisp or crunchy foods represent another method you should consider. By having your child chew them, you could get the baby tooth to pop out at mealtime.

Parents taking the crunchy food approach should remember a few things. First, using fruits like apples or cold vegetables like carrots or celery would be ideal. Next is to tell your youngster not to ingest the tooth if it comes out. Rather, they should instead spit their food onto a napkin and search for their tooth in the mush.

Floss Around the Tooth

Flossing doesn’t just keep a child’s smile clean. As it turns out, the habit can also smoothly and easily remove loose baby teeth.

There are three key steps to flossing a loose baby tooth:

1. Wind off 18 inches of dental floss around both middle fingers.
2. While holding it taut with your thumbs and index fingers, place the dental floss between two teeth.
3. Gently glide the floss up and down until the baby tooth comes out.

Apply a Quick & Gentle Twist

When all else fails, you can always take the direct approach. A quick and gentle twist to the baby tooth should easily get it out.

Naturally, you must be very careful if you twist the tooth directly. Grip it with a tissue or sterile gauze so bacteria don’t reach your child’s mouth. Similarly, make sure you don’t apply much force; just exert a slight pressure that won’t cause any pain.

The points above should let you remove your child’s loose tooth. Still, don’t hesitate to call your dentist if you need more assistance.

About the Practice

Peery & Woolwine Family Dentistry is based in Lynchburg, VA. Led by four fantastic dentists, our practice always strives to give each patient a truly thriving smile. Families can trust us to provide preventive, cosmetic, and restorative dental care tailored to their unique needs. Whether it’s a dental checkup or a dental crown, our team won’t let you down! For more details or to book a visit, please contact us on our website or by phone at (434)-847-5331.