Most of the time, a baby tooth will simply fall out when it is ready. But in certain cases, it may need to be extracted in order to protect your child’s oral health. Why exactly do some baby teeth need to be removed? How can you make sure your child is ready for the procedure? And how can you help them take care of their mouth afterward? Here are the answers that parents need.
Why Might a Baby Tooth Extraction Be Necessary?
Your child may need to have a baby tooth removed by their pediatric dentist in the following circumstances:
- The tooth in question is badly decayed and has reached the point where it cannot be saved with a filling.
- The tooth in question suffered from significant damage due to physical trauma or injury involving the mouth.
- The tooth in question has remained in the mouth longer than it should.
- The tooth in question is loose due to an advanced form of gum disease.
How Should You Get Your Child Ready for a Baby Tooth Extraction?
Your goal as a parent should be to make sure that your child knows what to expect without frightening them. Your pediatric dentist and their team can give you some tips for how to have this conversation with your little one. Remember to listen carefully to your child’s concerns so that you can determine the best way to help them keep their anxiety under control when the day of the appointment comes around.
What Aftercare Should You Give Your Child After a Baby Tooth Extraction?
Your child’s mouth will need time to recover after their baby tooth extraction. Here are some tips for making sure the healing process goes smoothly.
- Reduce your child’s discomfort by giving them ibuprofen or a similar type of pain medication. Be sure to follow any instructions related to dosage to the letter.
- Have your child hold an ice pack over their jaw for 15-minute intervals to reduce any inflammation.
- Make sure that your child only eats soft foods while their mouth is recovering. Some good options include cooked vegetables and mashed potatoes.
- Do not let your child drink anything through a straw, as this could dislodge the blood clot at the extraction site, resulting in a painful condition known as dry socket.
Being told that your child needs to have a baby tooth extracted can be alarming, but you can rest assured knowing that it’s a necessary step for protecting their oral health, and there are plenty of things you can do to make the process easier for your little one.
About the Practice
At The Dental Specialists Pediatric Dentistry, our pediatric dentists are dedicated to helping our young patients enjoy a lifetime of healthy teeth and confident smiles. We offer same-day emergency appointments, and we can perform tooth extractions for children with teeth that are beyond saving. To schedule a consultation at our office in Garland, visit our website or call (972) 364-7472.