When children’s baby teeth start to wobble, it is a big change for them and sometimes even a little scary. Wiggling means that the moment when the tooth falls out and makes room for a permanent tooth is approaching. Sometimes, however, the tooth does not want to come out, even though it is wiggling. This can be normal because the roots of the tooth are not yet sufficiently resorbed, or the new tooth does not yet have the strength to push out the baby tooth.
If a tooth is loose but not falling out, there is usually no need to panic. Children lose their teeth at different rates, and sometimes it just takes a little time. Most baby teeth simply wait until their roots are completely resorbed and the permanent tooth is ready to push them out. Let the tooth come out on its own—for children, this can be a small challenge that is part of growing up.
If the tooth still does not come out or starts to cause pain, it is advisable to visit the dentist. The new tooth may be growing under the milk tooth, but the milk tooth does not want to come out on its own. The dentist will check the situation and, if necessary, gently remove the tooth to make room for the permanent one. Treatment by a specialist will ensure that the child does not suffer unnecessarily.
If your child feels discomfort when their tooth is loose, you can help them with a few simple tips:
Initial examination for children
An initial children’s check-up is the first examination of a child by a dentist, during which the teeth, gums, and overall oral health are checked. The dentist explains the principles of proper care, caries prevention, and treatment options to the parents. The check-up helps to detect problems early and set up appropriate care for healthy tooth development.