“The doorknob method” is so culturally prominent that it’s practically a tooth-pulling folktale. The idea is simple enough: you tie one end of a string to your child’s loose baby tooth, tie the other end to a doorknob, and wham! shut the door, effectively sending the tooth flying. To kids this is a somewhat whimsical suggestion that could either be interpreted as a joke or a threat. To a parent, it can be downright terrifying!
If you’re looking for a safer, more comfortable way of removing your child’s bothersome wiggler, keep reading.
Nature’s Tooth Extraction
Most baby teeth do come out naturally with some encouragement. Give your tot full permission to poke and prod their pearly white – as long as it’s with their tongue, not their finger. Icky digits could contribute to a dental infection, particularly if they touch the socket.
You can also try to get them engaged in some physical activity. Some bouncy jogging could give the tooth a lift, or a sibling could shake it loose. On accident, of course.
The Calm Way to Remove Baby Teeth
It stands to reason that when used, a loose baby tooth will fall out under the pressure. If eating’s not doing the trick, dampen a soft patch of gauze. Have your child bite down on the cloth with their wiggler. Hopefully, the force will dislodge their tooth. If not, don’t worry just yet. There’s another method you can try.
Tooth Twisters: Quick but Effective
When all else fails, simply pinch the tooth between your two fingers and twist. It works best if you’re quick, and wrapping your fingers in tissue or gauze can give you a firmer grip on the miniature pearly white. It should pop out nice and easy, so if you find yourself spending time and effort on multiple attempts, it’s probably best to leave it to the professionals.
Pediatric Tooth Extraction
When baby teeth refuse to leave your child’s gumline, it’s time to use your trump card. Pediatric dentists are specially trained for this sort of thing. They’ll take a close look at the troublesome tooth to get a good sense of what’s causing the problem, then consult with you to discuss your child’s treatment options.
Pediatric dentists are also specially trained to help children feel comfortable and safe, so you can rest assured they’ll treat your little one with care as they work to resolve the issue. If it comes to dental extraction, they’ll be sure to administer the proper anesthetics. Before you or your child realizes it, their bothersome baby tooth will be ready for tooth fairy retrieval!
About the Author
Dr. Linda Steele completed her pediatric residency at Children’s Mercy Hospital in Kansas City, Missouri and is a member of the prestigious American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry. Between that and 30 years of experience in the industry, she’s well qualified to help your little one with their dental concerns. If you suspect your child’s baby tooth may need a professional extraction or would like more tips and tricks, contact Dr. Steele’s office at 972-640-7432.