Who among us doesn’t feel excited about getting a visit by the tooth fairy? Who doesn’t get a thrill to discover a few coins or paper money under your pillow in exchange for a baby tooth? This thought can turn a potential distressing event into something fun for everyone. So, what can you do as a parent to help your child when a tooth is ready to come out?
Well, it’s good to know the exactly what is going on inside your child’s mouth. Your child has 20 primary teeth (aka baby teeth). The permanent teeth they will keep as an adult erupt at around 6-years-old. They push through the gums while the baby teeth (aka primary teeth) become loose and begin to fall out. It’s normally at the age of thirteen when the process is finished.
As your child ages and the adult teeth come in, the roots of the primary teeth dissolve. Your child will notice this when the tooth begins to wiggle. As all children do, they will fidget with the baseless tooth until it breaks free.
If the baby tooth is loose but refuses to fall out, allow it to remain so the root can continue to dissolve. Then, you can help your child pull it out. There are well known methods parents have developed over time, but the easiest way is to simply place a dry piece of tissue or cloth over the tooth for a firm grip and remove the tooth with a quick pull and twist.
If you or your child would like to speak to a dentists about a loose tooth, Dr. Joseph Maggio would be to talk with you. Please contact Adaptive Dental Associates to make an appointment at: 908-827-2901, or come by our office in Phillipsburg, New Jersey.