How to Safely Pull a Loose Tooth

If a child has loose baby teeth, it’s generally safe to pull them out at home. However, it’s best to let them fall out on their own.

On the other hand, you should never pull an adult tooth by yourself. It’s safer to go to a dentist for a tooth extraction because pulling out adult teeth can lead to dangerous complications.

In this article, we’ll discuss how you can safely pull a loose tooth for adults and children. We’ll also go over how to tell when it’s time to pull a tooth and what you should do after.

How To Safely Pull a Loose Tooth

Dental professionals don’t recommend removing a child’s tooth at home. Doing so can lead to serious problems, like infection, excessive bleeding, or damage to the surrounding teeth. It’s best to let the tooth fall out on its own.

Fortunately, most baby teeth come out naturally with gentle nudges from their tongue or clean fingers. So, as a parent, you have to let your child know that it’s important to be patient with a tooth and to avoid forcing it.

If the tooth is causing pain, schedule an appointment with a pediatric dentist. Dentists and oral surgeons are trained to handle any complications that may arise during the procedure. They also have the tools and expertise to ensure a safe and comfortable experience for your child. 

What Can You Do Before a Dental Appointment?

You can help manage your child’s discomfort using over-the-counter pain relievers. You can also have them rinse their mouth with salt water or apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek. These simple remedies can soothe the area and make the pain more bearable.

When Do You Need to Remove a Tooth?

The most obvious sign that you need a tooth removed is if it’s loose. If the tooth can move in all directions and is barely hanging on, then you should get it extracted.

Regarding baby teeth, you might even see some development of permanent teeth peeking behind them. The tooth might also look darker or yellower than usual. 

On the other hand, adult teeth may become loose and require a tooth extraction because of the following reasons:

• Excessive decay or gum disease 
• Stress from grinding or clenching
• Trauma or injury
• Tooth infection
• Overcrowding
• Hyperdontia

What Should You Do After Removing a Tooth?

After the procedure, your dentist will place a gauze pad over the extraction site to stop the bleeding and form a blood clot. You should take it easy for the rest of the day and avoid strenuous activity. 

Here are our other tips you can do after removing a tooth:

• Prop your head up with a pillow to minimize bleeding.
• Eat soft foods like yogurt, applesauce, or soup.
• Drink plenty of water and avoid using straws⁠—the suction can dislodge the blood clot, which can delay healing.

Over the next few days, you may experience some swelling and mild discomfort. Apply an ice pack to the affected area for 20 minutes and then remove it for 10 minutes. This helps numb the area and reduce swelling. 

Rinse your mouth with warm salt water to keep the extraction site clean and promote healing. You should also brush your teeth gently while avoiding the extraction site.

Don’t Forget to Monitor for Complications

Watch the extraction site for signs of infection, such as increased pain, swelling, or fever. If you notice anything unusual, contact your dentist immediately.

Most people recover from a tooth extraction after a week or two. However, it’s important to remember everyone heals at their own pace. Following these instructions can help make the recovery process smoother.