For children between the ages of 6 and 12, losing their baby teeth is a rite of passage. During those years, most children lose all their baby teeth and grow their adult teeth. Typically, a child loses about 20 teeth by age 12.
Healthy baby teeth are designed to fall out on their own. However, there are some instances when a tooth might need an extraction. In these cases, see a dentist immediately instead of forcibly removing the teeth at home.
What Is a Tooth Extraction?
Tooth extraction is a dental procedure designed to remove a tooth from its socket in the jaw bone. This can be necessary for various reasons, including dental decay, infection, or damage. Tooth removal can be done by simple extraction or surgical extraction, depending on the tooth’s position and condition. In some cases, a dentist or oral surgeon may need to make an incision in the gums to access and remove the tooth.
Identify the Reasons Why the Child Would Need a Tooth Pulled
Other teeth can become impacted besides wisdom teeth. A dentist may decide to surgically extract baby teeth for various reasons. In some cases, another tooth might be unable to break through the gum line, so the best course of action is to remove it surgically.
The following are some of the most common reasons a child might need a tooth extraction procedure.
Dental Decay
In some cases, a child’s lack of dental care may result in significant decay. For example, eating too many sweets, not brushing regularly, and stuck food particles can severely deteriorate a child’s oral health.
A dentist can remove a decayed tooth to protect the other teeth around it. However, dentists will typically only pull a decayed baby tooth if there is no other way to save it.
After the extraction, the dentist might put a space saver where the decayed baby tooth was to ensure that the adult tooth will have enough room. This depends on how old the child is and how far they are from having the permanent tooth come in.
Infection or Abscess
Stuck food particles and bacteria can lead to infections and abscesses.
A child with a dental infection might find it hard to breathe if inflammation near the lower teeth blocks the airway. In worst-case scenarios, upper teeth abscesses can lead to inflammation reaching the brain.
Swelling and oral pain are the main symptoms of an infection or abscess. If your child is experiencing these problems, make sure to take them to a dentist right away.
Damaged Teeth
Dentists might also pull a primary tooth if it is damaged due to an injury or accident. Trauma to the mouth can cause a baby tooth to crack or break. Some examples are:
- Getting hit with a ball while playing sports
- Getting knocked in the mouth while roughhousing
- Falling and damaging a tooth
- Knocking a tooth during a car accident
Depending on the severity of the damage, removing the tooth might be the best option.
Teeth Removal to Make Space
Finally, some baby teeth might need to be removed because they won’t fall out on their own. A child needs room in their mouth for permanent teeth to grow.
Dentists typically remove the top canine teeth or the bottom incisors to create space for adult teeth.
Removing the baby teeth might make sufficient room for the permanent teeth to come in, but in some cases, additional dental work is needed to coax the canine or incisor into place.
Is This a Dental Emergency?
During these formative years, toothaches, swelling, and oral inflammation can turn out to be quite serious.
If not treated quickly, dental injuries and oral trauma can lead to gum disease, oral infections, and eventually, tooth loss.
Toothaches can also be severe enough to make children lose sleep and not eat properly. They might find it difficult to concentrate on their studies or play outside due to persistent oral pain.
If there are cavities and bacteria inside the mouth, they can cause the baby’s teeth to decay. Moreover, they can also progress to harm the permanent teeth and gums. It is always the best option to treat your child’s dental problems promptly and save them from oral health issues in the future.
Explain to Your Kid – Alternatives to Avoid Dental Issues
A dentist only extracts baby teeth in case of an emergency. Premature extraction can be dangerous, as it can lead to complications with adult teeth later on.
The best thing you can do is to teach your child about good dental habits. Make sure they brush daily and cut back on excessive sweets to help keep dental problems in check.
Adequate calcium intake, proper oral habits, and timely visits to the dentist can help your child stay away from dental issues that require tooth extraction.
Regular Oral Hygiene
Teach your child the importance of brushing their teeth at least twice a day and flossing daily. This can help remove plaque and prevent the buildup of bacteria that can lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
Regular Dental Checkups
Schedule regular dental checkups for your child, ideally every six months. This allows the dentist to monitor their oral health, identify any potential issues early on, and provide timely treatment.
Balanced Diet
A balanced diet is essential for maintaining good oral health in children. A diet that is rich in nutrients such as calcium, vitamin D, and phosphorus can help to strengthen teeth and bones, while also promoting healthy gum tissue. On the other hand, a diet that is high in sugar and carbohydrates can lead to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Use of Fluoride Toothpaste
Using fluoride toothpaste can help strengthen your child’s tooth enamel and protect against decay. Encourage your child to use a pea-sized amount of fluoride toothpaste when brushing their teeth, and ensure they spit it out afterward to prevent swallowing excess fluoride.
Avoid Sugary and Sticky Foods
Sugary and sticky foods can contribute to tooth decay by providing a breeding ground for bacteria. Limit your child’s consumption of these foods, and encourage them to rinse their mouth with water after eating to help remove any remaining food particles.
Use of Mouth Guards for Sports
If your child participates in sports or activities where there is a risk of injury to the mouth, consider having them wear a mouthguard. This can help protect their teeth from damage and prevent the need for tooth extractions due to accidents.
How to Get Your Child Ready for a Tooth Extraction
If your child isn’t a fan of going to the dentist, then he or she probably won’t be thrilled to have a tooth pulled, either. Being mentally prepared before the dental visit can help to keep children calm during the procedure.
Help Them Understand Anesthesia
Explain the procedure to your child. If your child is going to receive general anesthesia, you can tell them that they will be asleep and won’t feel anything while the dentist takes out the problem tooth. If the extraction only involves a local anesthetic, explain that your child will be awake but won’t feel anything during the process.
Provide Comfort
Let them know that you’ll be right there by their side during the whole thing. You might want to bring along a special toy or stuffed animal to comfort your child during the process.
Discuss Sedation
Sedation is available, but the specific options available vary according to the child’s age. Appropriate sedation can help a child feel less stressed or anxious during the teeth extraction procedure. Once they are calm, the dentist can begin the removal process.
After the Tooth Is Pulled
Usually, the dentist will pack the area of the extraction with a piece of gauze, which absorbs any blood and helps with healing. Tell your child not to chew on it, swallow it, or try to take it out of their mouth. Help them keep the gauze over the surgical area for at least two hours to staunch any bleeding.
Start slowly when it is time to eat after surgery. About an hour after the procedure, start giving your child clear liquids, such as water, soup, or fruit juices. After several hours, your child might be able to tolerate something a bit heavier, such as ice cream or yogurt.
Continue to stick to soft foods for several more days. Your child should avoid any foods that can irritate the surgical site, such as spicy or hot foods, salty snacks, and acidic foods until it’s well healed.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tooth Extraction in Kids
How do you pull a tooth out without it hurting kids?
A pediatric dentist will use anesthesia to numb the area around the tooth, ensuring that your child does not feel any pain during the extraction. Depending on the child’s age and level of anxiety, sedation may also be used to help them relax during the procedure. It is essential to choose an experienced pediatric dentist who can provide a comfortable and pain-free experience for your child.
What happens if you pull a kid’s tooth out too early?
Pulling a tooth out too early can lead to potential issues, such as the neighboring teeth shifting into the empty space and causing misalignment. This can cause difficulties with the eruption of permanent teeth and may require orthodontic treatment later on. It is crucial to consult with a pediatric dentist to determine the appropriate timing for tooth extraction in children.
Are you searching for a pediatric dentist in your area?
Finding the right pediatric dentist for your child is essential to ensure a positive experience and promote long-term oral health. Dr. Gallardo is a highly experienced periodontist and dental implant specialist based in Miami, with over 25 years in the field. He is known for his meticulous attention to detail and unique techniques that yield long-lasting results. Dr. Gallardo’s state-of-the-art facility offers safe and effective treatments for gum disease and dental implants, with minimal downtime. In South Florida, he is one of the few practitioners offering IV conscious sedation.
Contact Dr. John Paul Gallardo Today
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Other Available Alternatives
A dentist only extracts baby teeth in case of an emergency. It is dangerous to opt for premature extraction as this can lead to complications with adult teeth later on.
In case of cavity risks, the best thing to do is to teach your child about good dental habits. Making sure they brush daily and cutting back on excessive sweets can help keep dental problems in check.
Adequate calcium intake, proper oral habits, and timely visits to the dentist can help your child stay away from dental issues that cause the need for immediate teeth extraction.
How To Get Your Child Ready For A Tooth Extraction
If your child isn’t a fan of going to the dentist, they probably won’t be thrilled to have a tooth pulled. Mentally preparing them before their dental visit can help to keep them calm during the procedure.
Help them understand anesthesia
Try to explain the procedure to your child so that they know what will happen in the dentist’s chair. If your child is going to receive general anesthesia, you can tell them that they will be asleep and won’t feel anything while the dentist takes out the problem tooth.
Provide comfort
If the extraction only involves a local anesthetic, explain that your child will be awake but won’t feel anything during the process. Let them know that you’ll be right there by their side during the whole thing. You might want to bring along a special toy or stuffed animal to comfort your child during the process.
Discuss sedation
Sedation is available but the specific options available vary according to the child’s age. Appropriate sedation can help a child feel less stressed or anxious during the teeth extraction procedure. Once they are calmer, the dentist can begin the removal process.
After The Tooth Is Pulled
Usually, the dentist will pack the area of the extraction with some gauze, which absorbs any blood and helps with healing. Tell your child not to chew on the gauze, swallow it, or try to take it out of their mouth. Help them keep the gauze over the surgical area for at least two hours to staunch any bleeding.
When it comes to eating after surgery, start slowly. About an hour after the procedure, start giving your child clear liquids, such as water, Sprite, or a sports drink. After several hours, your child might be able to tolerate something a bit heavier, such as ice cream or yogurt.
Continue to stick to soft foods for several more days. Your child should avoid any foods that can irritate the surgical site, such as spicy or hot foods, salty snacks, and acidic foods until it’s well healed.
Contact Dr. John Paul Gallardo Today
If you are concerned about the state of your child’s teeth or want to know more about your options when it comes to tooth extraction, Dr. John Paul Gallardo is happy to help. He provides routine extractions and the removal of impacted teeth in Miami. He can examine your child’s teeth and recommend the best option for their overall well-being. For an appointment, call (305) 547-8896 today!
