If your little one can't wait for nature to choose when the tooth fairy comes to visit, or you fear your child will accidentally swallow that first loose tooth, then perhaps it's time to consider pulling the tooth instead. Here are a few tried-and-true methods that will help get that loose tooth out of your mouth and into your hand in no time.
Wiggle Wiggle Wiggle
The more a child wiggles that tooth, the more rapidly it will come out on its own. By using their tongue or their fingers, it usually only takes a few days to get the tooth to a point where it pops out completely on its own volition. One of the biggest advantages to this method is that pain is controlled, as the child will usually only wiggle hard enough to the point where it begins to hurt.
Crunchy Food
The old wives tale about the tooth in the apple slice is founded in fact. Foods that you have to bite hard into are good ways to crunch that tooth right out with little pain or effort. Apples and carrots are popular choices, but there are also parents that swear by the thick peanut butter sandwich. If this is the method you choose, be vigilant to where the tooth is at all times. Otherwise, you'll likely need to look for that new tooth in the potty, instead of in your child's mouth.
Do The Twist
If the tooth is wiggling well, but isn't quite ready to leave your child's mouth, try a different motion. Take the tooth between two fingers, and try and rock it in a twisting motion, instead of only back and forth. If the tooth is close to ready, the last attachment points will likely pop, and you'll end up with a new, shiny white treasure in the palm of your hand.
Wait Until the Last Minute
It's important to wait as long as possible when pulling a tooth for a child. The teeth rarely need pulling, as most of the time the adult teeth that are beginning to grow in will drop the baby tooth when it's time. The new tooth protects the wound from infection, and keeps junior's smile pearly white and healthy. Of course, there are always exceptions to this. When they occur, however, the tooth is usually pulled at the advice of, and in the hands of, a dentist or oral professional.
