For most kids, baby teeth will come and go all on their own without any involvement from the outside world. However, that's not always the case. If your child has had a loose baby tooth for a long time now and you're getting worried about it, then you should check out this guide for an easy explanation as to why this happens and what you should and shouldn't do.
What To Know
Baby teeth don't always fall out quickly. This is especially true of molars, the further-back teeth in the mouth. There's nothing wrong with a baby tooth taking longer to fall out - the adult tooth will eventually push it out of place, if all goes normally, so typically there's no rush in having a baby tooth get out of the way.
Baby teeth take longer to fall out depending on a variety of factors. The body goes through a process called tooth resorption where it breaks down the roots of the teeth that are getting ready to fall out. Depending on the number of roots that a tooth has, this process can potentially take longer, which is why molars take longer than incisors, for example.
What Not To Do
The first thing you should know is that you should never try to force a baby tooth to come out. Doing this can potentially damage the root of the tooth and snap it off before the resorption process is complete. This is not only painful for the child but can cause sepsis as the tooth root begins to decompose inside the gums.
What To Do
If you're still concerned about your child's tooth, then the best thing to do is to visit a childrens dentist as soon as possible.
Your dentist will be able to determine what's going on with your child's tooth by examining it and possibly x-raying it, if they deem it to be necessary. These two techniques combined will let your dentist see how many of the roots are still intact, if any, and if there are any other obstructions that are causing problems with your child's baby tooth. If absolutely necessary, your child's dentist can remove the tooth manually and safely.
Like with most dental concerns, this is something that a dentist should tackle. If you have concerns, at the very least give your local dentist a call. They'll be able to tell you whether it's worth coming in or if you should wait it out a bit longer.
If you are tired of coming down with dental problems, the problem might not be your toothpaste. Instead, it could be your habits tied to your dental care. Aggressive brushers, people who have a tendency to forget, and even people who are flossing improperly could be left with serious dental issues, which is why it really pays to focus on mastering the small things. From moving forward with a better brushing routine to doing what you can to identify and resolve ongoing decay, making your dental health a priority is instrumental in preventing pain and added budgetary strains. Check out this blog to find out more.