Baby teeth are supposed to fall out on their own when the permanent teeth are ready to erupt. Sadly, life doesn’t always go according to plan. In some cases, your little one might need to have their baby teeth removed to keep their smile safe. When are tooth extractions for kids necessary? And what can you do to help your child prepare for the procedure and enjoy a smooth recovery? Here’s what you need to know as a parent.
Reasons Why Baby Teeth Might Need to Be Extracted
Tooth extraction in general is considered a last resort and is only recommended in situations where it’s truly necessary. When it comes to baby teeth, an emergency dentist for kids might determine that extraction is required if:
- A baby tooth is suffering from a severe infection that’s threatening to spread to the rest of the mouth.
- A baby tooth is damaged to the point that it can’t be repaired.
- A baby tooth has failed to fall out by itself at the appropriate age.
- Your child has an extra baby tooth that could interfere with their oral development.
- Your child has an abnormally shaped baby tooth that might be unable to fall out on its own.
How to Prepare for a Baby Tooth Extraction
If your child needs to have a baby tooth removed, you’ll want to make sure that they’re properly prepared for the procedure. Encourage them to ask questions about the treatment; the more they know about tooth extraction, the easier it will be to put their fears to rest. On the day of the procedure, help your little one relax by finding an activity that they enjoy. When it’s time for their appointment, you can let them bring a stuffed toy or blanket for comfort.
Baby Tooth Extraction Aftercare
Your child will need a few days to recover after their extraction. Anti-inflammatory pain medications like ibuprofen can help them stay comfortable; in some cases, antibiotics might be prescribed to minimize the risk of infection after surgery. You can also give your little one an ice pack to hold over their jaw to reduce any discomfort or inflammation.
Your child will only be able to eat soft foods for a while after their tooth extraction. Examples of foods that they’ll be able to eat comfortably include mashed potatoes, cooked vegetables, and smoothies. Your little one should be able to return to a normal diet after the discomfort in their mouth has faded.
In short, sometimes a baby tooth extraction is necessary to protect your child’s still-developing grin. If you think one of your little one’s baby teeth will need to be removed in the near future, don’t lose any time; get in touch with their dentist to see what steps you should take next.
About the Author
Dr. Cyrus Allafi earned his doctorate at the University of Maryland Dental School. He has completed hundreds of hours of continuing education throughout his career; as a result, he’s skilled in a wide variety of advanced dental treatments. At Healthy Kids Dentistry in Aspen Hill, he offers various child-friendly services, including comfortable tooth extractions. To schedule an appointment with Dr. Allafi for your little one, visit his website or call (301) 871-8880.