No matter your age, a tooth extraction can make you feel a little anxious or worried – but this is especially true for young children! However, there’s a very important reason behind every tooth extraction, even those that involve the baby teeth; your child’s dentist is always putting your little one’s health first and foremost! Continue reading to learn more about why baby teeth sometimes need to be extracted, along with a few tips to help your child navigate the recovery period.
Why Might My Child Need to Have Baby Teeth Extracted?
Remember, your child’s dentist will only extract a tooth if it’s absolutely necessary. Though the baby teeth are meant to eventually be lost and replaced by adult teeth anyway, they still serve an important purpose in dental development and should only be removed if no other option for saving them exists. Here are some of the most common reasons for extracting baby teeth:
- Extreme tooth decay that cannot be restored with a dental filling.
- Severe mouth trauma or physical injuries.
- Teeth need to be removed prior to orthodontic treatment.
- Severe gum disease that threatens the teeth and jawbones.
- Extra or abnormally shaped baby teeth.
Remember, you shouldn’t delay or avoid your child’s tooth extractions if their dentist has deemed them necessary; even though most baby teeth will eventually fall out on their own, the permanent teeth can still be damaged if problems are left unchecked. Infections in baby teeth can even spread to vital organs like the brain or heart.
Tips for Helping Your Child Following Their Tooth Extraction
Though it might sound scary, you should reassure your child that having their tooth extracted won’t hurt since their mouth will be numbed. Plus, it’ll ensure that their smile is able to remain healthy moving forward! In any case, a few tips that can help you navigate your child through the recovery period include:
- Anti-inflammatory medications, such as Ibuprofen, can be used to reduce pain after the procedure.
- Icing the outside of the jaw also helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
- Children should eat softer foods for a few days post-surgery to increase comfort. This includes things like mashed potatoes, cooked veggies, smoothies, milkshakes, and more.
- Don’t let your child drink through a straw or spit vigorously for about a week post-op; these actions can dislodge the blood clot that forms after the extraction.
Also, always be sure to follow the instructions of your child’s dentist when it comes to tooth extractions; ensuring proper healing and reducing the risk of complications is setting your child up for success, no matter what their smile’s future holds.
About the Practice
Our team here at Kids’ Smiles on Lincoln has proudly served families in the Worcester area for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including tooth extractions. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with our team to set up an appointment for your little one, please feel free to visit us online or call today for assistance. Telephone: (508) 290-0090.