My Child Has a Loose Tooth — What Should I Do?
Few milestones in childhood are as exciting as losing a baby tooth. That first loose tooth often marks a big moment. Your child is growing up, the Tooth Fairy is on the way, and new permanent teeth are right around the corner.
But as a parent, it’s normal to wonder what’s safe, what’s not, and how to make sure the process goes smoothly. Should you try to help pull it out? What if it seems too loose? And when should you call your dentist?
Our Las Vegas pediatric dentist hears these questions every week. Here’s a friendly guide to help you understand what’s normal, what you can do at home, and when to seek professional advice.
Understanding Why Teeth Become Loose
Children typically start losing their baby teeth (also called primary teeth) between the ages of 6 and 12. This happens as permanent teeth grow beneath the gums, gradually pushing the baby teeth out.
This process is completely natural and usually painless. You might first notice your child wiggling a tooth with their tongue or mentioning that it feels “wiggly.”
In most cases, the tooth will loosen gradually over several weeks before it falls out on its own during eating or brushing.
What’s Normal When a Tooth Is Loose
A few signs indicate that your child’s tooth is loosening normally:
- The tooth moves slightly when touched or wiggled.
- The gums around it are pink and healthy, not swollen or bleeding.
- There’s mild tenderness, but no sharp pain.
Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth gently with their tongue. This helps the process along without damaging the surrounding tissue.
If the tooth is only slightly loose, it’s best to let nature take its course. The roots of baby teeth dissolve as permanent teeth move up, so eventually, the tooth will come out easily and painlessly.
How to Keep Loose Teeth and Gums Healthy
Even while a tooth is loose, keeping it clean is important to prevent bacteria buildup. Encourage your child to:
- Brush gently twice a day, especially around the loose tooth.
- Rinse with warm salt water if the gums are sore.
- Eat soft foods like yogurt, pasta, and applesauce until the tooth comes out.
- Avoid sticky or crunchy foods that might pull the tooth out too soon or cause pain when it moves.
These simple steps can make the experience more comfortable and prevent infection or irritation.
How to Pull a Loose Tooth (If It’s Really Ready)
Many parents ask, “How do I pull a loose tooth?” or “Can I pull out a tooth that is really loose?” The truth is: most of the time, you don’t need to. Forcing a tooth out before it’s ready can cause bleeding, infection, or damage to the underlying permanent tooth.
But if the tooth is very loose — meaning it’s hanging by a thread and twisting easily — it may be okay to help it along.
Here’s how to do it safely:
- Wash your hands thoroughly (and your child’s).
- Check that the tooth moves freely — if it’s resistant or painful, stop.
- Have your child wiggle it themselves first. Many kids are more comfortable pulling it out on their own.
- Use a tissue or gauze to grasp the tooth gently and give it a quick, firm twist.
- Apply pressure with clean gauze to stop any minor bleeding.
In most cases, the tooth will disconnect fairly easily with minimal discomfort. In fact, your child may say that their mouth feels better once it’s out. And now it’s time to celebrate with your child. The Tooth Fairy’s visit is just around the corner!
If the gums bleed excessively or leave your child with a sharp pain that doesn’t go away quickly, you may want to reach out to your pediatric dentist to ensure that everything is ok. It’s unlikely that this will happen, but it’s good to be aware – just in case.
What Not to Do with a Loose Tooth
Old-school tricks like tying a string to a doorknob or using pliers may make for funny stories, but they can sometimes lead to pain or injury. Modern dentistry strongly discourages these methods.
It’s best to avoid:
- Using tools or household objects to pull the tooth.
- Yanking it before it’s clearly loose.
- Ignoring signs of infection (like swelling or redness).
Instead, focus on gentle encouragement and good oral hygiene. When the loose tooth is ready, getting it out will be easy. It will also create a much more positive experience for your child.
When to See a Dentist About a Loose Tooth
While most loose baby teeth don’t need professional help, there are a few cases when you should call your Las Vegas pediatric dentist. These could include:
- The tooth is loose due to an injury (not natural growth).
- Your child has severe pain, swelling, or bleeding.
- The tooth hasn’t fallen out after several months of being very loose.
- You suspect the tooth is permanent, not a baby tooth.
A loose adult tooth in a child or teen is never normal and should always be examined by a dentist. Permanent teeth can loosen from trauma, gum disease, or underlying bone issues. Early treatment is key to saving the tooth in these cases.
After the Tooth Falls Out
Once the tooth comes out, your child might notice slight bleeding or tenderness. This is normal and should stop after a few minutes of pressure with gauze.
Encourage them to:
- Rinse with warm salt water to soothe the area.
- Avoid poking the gap with their tongue or fingers.
- Keep brushing and flossing carefully around the space.
Within a few days, the gums will heal, and the new tooth will begin to emerge, if it hasn’t already. This can be a very exciting time for your child, but can also be a little nerve-wracking for some kids. Assure them that losing a loose tooth so a new, bigger, permanent tooth can grow is a healthy part of growing up!
Happy Smiles Ahead
When your child has a loose tooth, letting it loosen and fall out naturally is the safest and most comfortable option.
If you’re unsure how to get a loose tooth out safely, or if your child’s tooth seems unusually loose or painful, reach out to your pediatric dentist in Las Vegas. A quick visit can give you peace of mind and keep your child’s smile on track.For more tips on how to keep your child’s teeth healthy, you may like our article: Cavity Prevention for Kids: Simple Habits Every Parent Should Know.
