If your child is like most kids, they are eager to reach their next big milestone. Children can’t wait to grow up. So it is not surprising when kids want to start losing baby teeth like their classmates. But do you know when it is the right time to pull your kid’s baby tooth? And is there a safe way to pull a loose baby tooth? Let’s find out!

Why You Shouldn’t Pull Primary Teeth Early

It doesn’t really matter when your child loses their baby teeth because the permanent ones will grow in any way. However, the first set of teeth play an important role. Temporary teeth allow children to chew food properly. They also maintain adequate space for the permanent ones to erupt properly. On the other hand, when kids lose their teeth prematurely, it can likely cause alignment issues and alter their jaw development. This premature tooth loss is often caused by tooth decay or trauma. Though your child may become impatient to lose them, it’s best to wait for baby teeth to wiggle out naturally.

When Is It OK to Pull Baby Teeth?

Baby teeth typically wiggle out on their own. Some children pull them out with their tongue or fingers. This is because only a small amount of soft tissue holds the loose baby tooth in place when it goes from loose to actually wiggly. In that case, it is probably OK for you to pull the tooth for them.

It should be OK to pull your child’s tooth if they are at age 6 or older and their tooth is very loose (almost hanging by a small tissue). But make sure the tooth is loosened naturally and not due to a dental issue or injury.

Do not pull your child’s loose tooth if:

• The tooth is barely loose because it may cause bleeding and pain

• "