Being the parent of a small child comes with many unique challenges and joys, although there is one experience that everyone seems to share. At a certain age, your little one will start to lose their baby teeth as their permanent ones begin to arrive. Some of them will likely fall out on their own, but often, a stubborn straggler will require assistance.
That said, many concerned caregivers don’t want to do anything that could harm their child’s dental health. Continue reading to learn more about what to expect when their smile evolves and how you can help them!
When Do Permanent Teeth Arrive?
Typically, most kids start to lose their primary teeth when they are about 6 or 7 years old and have a mouth full of adult teeth by the time they’re between 10 and 13. The lower front incisors are usually the first to fall out, followed by the upper front two. Then, the rest will follow suit over the next several years until the molars are the last to go.
The process isn’t usually painful and is a natural stage of their growth and development, but that doesn’t mean it’ll be completely smooth sailing. Some children have stubborn teeth that seem to hang on by a thread and require some extra assistance.
How Can I Pull My Child’s Baby Tooth?
If your little one is frustrated or worried about a loose tooth that won’t let go, you can encourage them to wiggle it with their tongue as often as possible. In many instances, this extra movement is enough to sever any remaining ties holding it in place so it can slip free.
However, it doesn’t always do the trick, and turning a tooth removal into a fun game is a great way to get the job done without inducing anxiety.
Some potential methods for removing your child’s loose tooth can include:
- String and doorknob. Tie one end of a piece of string to your kid’s wiggly pearly white and the other around a nearby doorknob. Then, shut the door firmly (but don’t slam it!) to yank their tooth right out.
- Fly ball. Like string and doorknob, you’ll tie one end of a thread around the troublesome tooth. Then, tie the other side around a ball and hit it with a bat, or throw it in the air and watch it fly!
- Doggy treat. If you have a pet at home who has a favorite treat or toy, you can tie one end of the string around that instead and make memories with the whole family.
Now that you have a few ideas, you can help your child remove their baby teeth without harming their dental condition!
About the Author
Dr. José Garcia has years of experience helping families improve their daily lives by helping them build and maintain happy, healthy smiles. He earned his dental doctorate from the Howard University College of Dentistry and is an active American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry member. He offers a wide array of services conveniently under one roof and strives to make your child’s visit relaxing, fun, and educational. By combining state-of-the-art equipment in a family-friendly environment, he can help them feel comfortable while increasing the accuracy of treatment results. You can request an appointment on the website or call (301) 871-8880.