What should parents do when a child has loose teeth?

Loose teeth are a common occurrence in children. However, we also need to know: are loose teeth baby teeth or permanent teeth? Is the timing of loose teeth appropriate? If the baby teeth fall out too early or too late, it also affects the arrangement of the teeth in the future. Whatever the case, we should go to the dentist for the best answer and advice. Here, SignsSymptomsList would like to provide you with some knowledge and notes, handling in situations where teeth are loose in children.

First, we need to know what “normal” loose teeth look like?

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• 1. When do baby teeth start to loosen?
• 2. Safe ways to deal with loose baby teeth
• 3. Dental care after tooth extraction for children
• 4. Tips to ease the fear of changing children's teeth

1. When do baby teeth start to loosen?

At four to six months of age, most children begin to erupt their baby teeth. The first are the two front teeth in the lower jaw. Then the top two, followed by the surrounding teeth. Beneath the baby teeth, deep in the bone, are the permanent teeth.

These baby teeth will stay with your child for several years. So that your baby can chew food as their jaw structure develops along with the permanent teeth.

Loose teeth in children

By the time, usually around the age of five or six (but can be as early as four), your child will begin to lose their baby teeth. The process of eruption of permanent teeth to replace baby teeth takes place over several years. The roots of the baby teeth will begin to disappear. And the teeth will gradually loosen in the order they have erupted.

The first adult teeth to come in are number 6, which erupt from the gums at the back of the mouth without replacing any baby teeth. At the same time, the roots of the baby teeth at the front of the mouth begin to weaken as the permanent teeth grow in the gums. Eventually, the roots become so weak that baby teeth fall out, making room for new adult teeth to come in. Under normal circumstances, when the root of the tooth is completely dissolved, the tooth will move until it falls out without pain.

Sometimes, a child or parent can voluntarily extract a tooth by tying the tooth with a thread on the doorknob. This action seems to be popular with everyone. However, in some cases, it can cause gum injury, heavy bleeding, and urgent treatment.

Baby teeth are designed to give proper oral spacing until the adult teeth are ready to come in. If teeth erupt too soon, this gap can be impacted, creating complications and pain when adult teeth begin to erupt. Attempting to extract baby teeth when they are not ready to be replaced can also break the weakened roots; cause part of the gum line to be torn, inflamed, and infected.

2. Safe ways to deal with loose baby teeth

When a tooth is loose, there are a few safe ways to help support the baby tooth replacement process. Patience is important not only for the correct replacement of teeth, but also for their long-term oral health.

Here are gentle methods to speed up the process:

• Loosening more loose teeth:

Adding extra movement to baby teeth that are about to be replaced is a great way to help loosen up more teeth and promote root decay. Most children will get into the habit of playing with a tooth with their tongue when it comes loose just because it's a weird thing in their mouth. Children also tend to use their hands to touch and shake baby teeth when it shows signs of wobbling. This is very good if the child uses clean hands and does not do it too rough.

• Pay attention to oral hygiene for children:

During this time, your child will be susceptible to his oral hygiene habits. You need to explain to the child what is happening in the mouth; What to do with a loose tooth and how to brush properly. Then observe and assist the child in oral hygiene. Brushing will help make the teeth more loose; and stimulates the gums to help them fall out faster.

• Extract teeth when necessary:

When a tooth is so loose that you worry that it might fall out while eating and swallowing. You can put a tissue on the super wobbly tooth and squeeze it gently. Often with just a little force the tooth can fall out. However, to avoid complications, you should take your child to the dentist for extraction.

Although most children will experience few complications when having baby teeth extracted. It is important to know what to do with a loose tooth that is out of the ordinary. If any of the following happen or you suspect they have happened. Call your pediatric dentist right away:

• Loss of teeth due to trauma:

Children are often very active and run and jump a lot. Therefore, accidents that cause tooth loss are not uncommon. However, if the case of the tooth falling out is a permanent tooth, the child needs to be restored with dentures.

• Infections caused by broken roots:

If the gums become swollen and irritated after a rough extraction, part of the root can become lodged in the gum and become infected.

• Double teeth

In certain cases, the permanent teeth can begin to erupt without the baby teeth falling out, resulting in a double row of teeth. This requires the intervention of a dentist.

• Complications due to misaligned teeth:

If teeth are lost early and no measures are taken to maintain the distance, baby teeth can be displaced into the lost place and prevent permanent teeth from erupting.

• Late tooth replacement:

If no teeth have been replaced after the age of seven, you should take your child to the dentist for advice as this can cause serious complications.

>> See more How to effectively relieve toothache at home

3. Dental care after tooth extraction for children

If your child's baby tooth is cleanly removed, you probably don't need to worry. However, if your child is bleeding profusely or is bleeding continuously. It's best to give your child a piece of gauze and ask your child to bite into it. Teach your child not to pick at sore gums; and avoid that spot when brushing your teeth for the next two days. Also, feed them soft foods or puree them.

If bleeding continues for more than two hours, contact your dentist.

>> See more: What is tooth decay? Causes, treatment and prevention

4. Tips to ease the fear of changing children's teeth

Some children may find it uncomfortable when their baby teeth are loose and ask their parents to pull them out. While other children may be afraid of tooth replacement. So what should we do to remove fear for children?

• As a parent, you can be glad that your child has reached the milestone of losing his first tooth. But for kids, it can be a scary experience sometimes. If your child is upset about a loose tooth or a gap where a tooth has fallen out; Explain to your child that everyone loses baby teeth. You can remind your child of the tooth fairy who loves baby teeth and reward them.
• You can buy a small box and tissue or similar "toothbrush kit" to keep your child's teeth as treasured possessions.
• Many children worry that they will be in pain and will not be able to eat. Reassure your child that it may be a little itchy but if he is in pain. You can always apply strawberry cream (a topical anesthetic) to your baby's gums.

Tooth box for children

These things will help children dispel fear and be more excited for tooth replacement.

If your child begins to have loose teeth , you can refer to the above knowledge to equip the child with information and spirit. Help your child have a wonderful tooth replacement experience without fear and anxiety.