How to Pull a Child's Tooth

Children start losing their baby teeth around the age of 6, and over the next seven years, 28 permanent teeth replace the original 20 baby teeth. Over the course of about 3 1/2 years, each permanent tooth grows into the space under the baby tooth and slowly dissolves its root. Once the baby tooth's root is gone -- voila! -- your child is left with a loose, wiggly tooth. The goal then becomes removing your child's tooth with a minimum of pain, blood and tears.

Instructions

    • 1

      Encourage your child to wiggle and gently push on his loose tooth with a clean finger or his tongue. Most of the time, it's best for your child to pull his own tooth, since he can tell how loose it is and can stop if it feels too painful. Letting your child control when the tooth falls out also decreases the chances of complications -- such as bleeding, pain and infection -- that can happen if you pull the tooth before it is ready to come out.

    • 2

      Have your child eat firm food such as an apple or celery. The tooth may get stuck in the food and fall out on its own.

    • 3

      Wrap a clean, damp piece of gauze around the tooth and give it a firm tug if the tooth is hanging by just a thread and your child really wants you to pull the tooth out. If the tooth doesn't quickly fall out, stop and let your child continue working on the tooth himself.

    • 4

      Take your child to the dentist if you see permanent teeth coming in behind the baby teeth. If the permanent tooth comes in crookedly, it may not properly dissolve the baby tooth's roots, preventing the baby tooth from becoming loose and falling out easily. The dentist may need to pull one or more of your child's teeth to create room for the permanent teeth to come in correctly.

    2. Previous:

    Next:

    • How Long Should a Child Be Attached to a Stuffed Animal?
      You might have a love-hate relationship with your childs lovey, comfort toy or transitional object -- whatever you choose to call it. Its grimy, nearly unrecognizable as a kitty, puppy, bear or even a blanket anymore and smells, despite your best eff
    • How to Know if Your Child Is Addicted to the Computer
      The instant gratification, the ease of anonymous communication, the endless sources of entertainment -- adults and kids can find plenty to like about computers. Some kids, however, develop an attachment to the computer that is unhealthy and interfere
    • Preschool and Fine Motor Skills for a Three-Year-Old
      The average three-year-old child is eager to learn and experience the world around him. As he strives to grow in independence, his little brain is making huge strides. Three-year-olds use all their senses to test and experiment with their environment