IS THIS SOME GOOFY, NEWFOUND FORM OF NARCISSISM OR PARENTAL EXHIBITIONISM that’s come as a result of today’s “viral video” craze? Whatever the reason, we think ridiculous videos like the one below are becoming much too common. Should parents be subjecting their kids to these absurd tooth-yanking antics for publicity?
Those sorts of videos aside, do you ever ask yourself if you should let your children’s baby teeth fall out naturally, let the child pull them, or just pull them yourself?
At Lilly Family Dentistry, this is a question we often get asked by parents. Although it’s best to base your final decision around health and comfort for your child, we do offer a few considerations to help you better decide.
- Most dentists today offer parents the following advice… DON’T pull your children’s teeth out. You can encourage them to pull them out themselves by wiggling their tooth with their fingers or their tongue. This is mostly because only your child knows for sure how loose a tooth really is—and how attached it really is! They also know how much discomfort they’re able and willing to take.
- If your kid has waited long enough to pull it out, there shouldn’t be much bleeding. If bleeding does occur, pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure for a few minutes.
- There are times, as a permanent tooth pushes the baby tooth out, the new tooth will push the baby tooth in an unusual direction forward that effects the gums. If that happens, and you have a questions about it, contact our office. Although this is rare, in some cases it may be best to have us help pull the tooth.
- Sometimes by waiting longer, the tooth may come out unexpectedly when your child is eating. Although not at all typical, the tooth can be swallowed. Don’t worry! It’s very unlikely that he or she will choke on it. The tooth fairy may be a little bit disappointed, but a swallowed tooth is not harmful.
- We have heard of some parents offering their child a fresh, crisp, delicious apple! If the tooth is loose enough, it will likely come out.
DON’T Make These Kinds of Videos… Please
[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=arDz8Rkc9Ro&fs=1&hl=en_US&rel=0]So, there you go! Thoughts from our office about your children losing their baby teeth. One thing for sure…Don’t try creating your YouTube “fifteen minutes of fame” by risking harm to your child. First, it’s NOT likely to make you famous. Second, it’s just kinda dumb. And third, it’s NOT worth it if your child has a bad experience.
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