IS THIS SOME GOOFY, NEWFOUND FORM OF NARCISSISM OR PARENTAL EXHIBITIONISM that’s come as a result of today’s “viral video” craze? Whatever it is, ridiculous videos like the one below are becoming too commonly seen. If YOU have children this age, and they’re loosing baby teeth, do you ever ask yourself if you should let them fall out naturally, let the child pull them, or just pull them yourself?
Of course, in the end, the decision is yours. You’re the parent. However, Dr. Pitts offers a list of five considerations as you try to make these decisions in your family:
- 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 primarily 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 can handle.
- If your kid has waited long enough to pull it out, there shouldn’t be much bleeding—pack a small piece of wet gauze and hold pressure for a few minutes if necessary.
- 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 the situation is rare, sometimes 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 usual, 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, the apple might just do the trick.
DON’T Make These Kinds of Videos… Please
So there you are, our thoughts about your children loosing 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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Thank you again for being our valued patient and friend.
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