For many children, feeling a tooth get looser is something to be excited about. This means the tooth fairy will soon be on their way! But what if they need to have a tooth that isn’t loose pulled? Having a tooth extracted may be necessary to protect your child’s oral health, but it can still be scary for both children and parents. Read on to learn about four of the most common reasons for children’s tooth extractions in Naperville and how you can help your little one prepare.
4 Common Reasons for Children’s Tooth Extractions
You recently took your child to one of their biannual dental appointments, and their dentist recommended that they have a tooth extracted. Though there are a lot of reasons why this could be, the most common ones are:
- Serious Cavities – If the tooth has a large cavity that can’t be fixed with a filling, dental crown, or a root canal, their dentist may recommend that they have it pulled.
- Severe Damage – If the tooth has been damaged to the point where it can’t be put back together, it may need to be extracted.
- A stubborn baby tooth – Sometimes, a particularly stubborn baby tooth may prevent an adult tooth from properly emerging through the gums.
- Braces – When a child has overly crowded teeth, one or more might need to be extracted to make room in the mouth for braces.
How to Prepare Your Child for a Tooth Extraction
Many parents struggle to prepare their children for a tooth extraction without scaring them. To help them get ready to have their tooth pulled, find a dentist they trust and feel safe and comfortable with. The dentist can break down the extraction process for your little one in a kid-friendly way to ensure that they feel well informed without being scared of the procedure. From there, you and your child’s dentist can answer any questions they still have about the process. If your little one is particularly anxious about having their tooth pulled, discuss sedation dentistry options that can make them more comfortable during the procedure.
What You Should Know About Tooth Extraction Aftercare
While your child recovers, make sure they get plenty of rest, eat the right foods, and keep their mouth clean to ensure they heal properly. Help them follow all the post-op instructions their dentist gives them to prevent any delays or complications. A few common post-surgery instructions their dentist may give you include:
- Feed them yogurt, applesauce, and other soft foods, preferably low in sugar and with lots of nutrients
- Have them rinse with warm salt water to lower their chances of developing an infection
- Placing an ice pack or cold compress on their cheeks to alleviate swelling
- Don’t give them drinks with straws and have them avoid spitting
- Give your little one over-the-counter pain medicine as needed
- Make sure they elevate their head when resting
- Have them drink lots of water
Tooth extractions may seem scary at first, but they play an important role in healing your child’s smile. Having their tooth extracted will let them enjoy a bright, beautiful smile for years to come!
About the Author
Does your child have a seriously damaged tooth that needs to be extracted? Tic Tac Tooth can help. Their talented team offers a comfortable environment where children can feel safe and well cared for throughout the duration of their appointment. They are experts in helping growing smiles remain healthy, happy, and bright. To make an appointment or for more information on children’s tooth extractions, call Tic Tac Tooth at (630) 995-3393 or visit their website.