Wiggly Baby Teeth

Baby teeth usually stay in place until permanent teeth are ready to replace them. The permanent tooth puts pressure on the baby tooth and pushes it out. A loose tooth may not fall out immediately and at times, may cause irritation of the gums.

“Should my child have the loose tooth pulled or let it fall out naturally?” That’s a question many parents ask at our pediatric dental office in Havertown.

It is best to let nature takes its course and wait for the tooth to fall out naturally. However, if it is a source of constant irritation then encourage your child to wiggle it out as only he/she can better assess the level of discomfort that is tolerable.

There are circumstances when consulting with a children’s dentist is best:

Constant pain or irritation to the gums
A child with special health care needs with risk of aspiration
Permanent teeth that are being deflected to an undesirable position

In these circumstances, the dentist may help “wiggle out” the tooth. Occasionally, children may swallow the tooth but this is not a problem except for the Tooth Fairy who may be disappointed.

Eagle Crest Pediatric Dentistry

Board-Certified Doctors

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