A loose tooth is an exciting milestone in your child’s life, signaling the natural transition from baby teeth to permanent teeth. However, not all loose teeth are caused by normal growth—sometimes, they result from accidents, decay, or underlying dental issues. Knowing when to let nature take its course and when to seek professional care can help ensure your child’s oral health remains strong.
At Cuadra Pediatric Dentistry, we specialize in caring for young smiles, ensuring that children receive the best possible dental care at every stage. Whether your child has a naturally loose tooth or one that needs attention from a pediatric dentist in Tiffin Ohio, here’s what you need to know.
When Is a Loose Tooth Normal?
Most children begin losing their baby teeth around age six, and this process continues until about age twelve. If a loose tooth is part of this natural process, it will typically fall out on its own without much discomfort.
To help your child handle a loose tooth safely:
- Encourage them to gently wiggle the tooth with their tongue instead of pulling it out.
- Avoid forceful removal, as it can cause unnecessary pain and bleeding.
- Ensure they maintain proper oral hygiene with regular brushing and flossing.
Routine visits to a dentist for kids in Fostoria OH can ensure their teeth are developing properly and staying healthy throughout this stage.
When Is a Loose Tooth a Concern?
In some cases, a loose tooth may be a sign of an issue that needs professional attention. Situations that may require a visit to a pediatric emergency dentist in Tiffin OH include:
- Accidental Trauma – Falls, sports injuries, or other accidents can loosen a tooth unexpectedly. If this happens, immediate dental care is essential to assess whether the tooth can be saved or needs removal.
- Tooth Decay or Gum Disease – If a loose tooth is due to decay or gum infection, prompt dental care is needed to prevent further complications.
- Premature Tooth Loss – If a baby tooth becomes loose too early, it can impact the alignment of permanent teeth.
If your child’s loose tooth is causing pain, excessive bleeding, or doesn’t seem to be falling out naturally, visiting a pediatric dentist in Tiffin Ohio is the best course of action.
What Should You Do If Your Child’s Tooth Is Loose?
If your child has a loose tooth, but it’s not ready to come out, you can:
- Encourage gentle wiggling but avoid forcing it.
- Offer soft foods to prevent unnecessary stress on the tooth.
- Rinse with warm salt water to ease discomfort.
For permanent teeth that become loose, urgent care from a pediatric emergency dentist in Tiffin OH is necessary to prevent long-term damage.
When to Visit a Pediatric Dentist
If your child experiences severe pain, swelling, or an unexpected loose tooth from an accident, seeking care from a dentist for baby near me in Tiffin can provide immediate relief and professional guidance.
At Cuadra Pediatric Dentistry, we are committed to ensuring that children’s teeth develop correctly and remain strong. If you have concerns about a loose tooth, schedule an appointment with our expert pediatric dental team today!