The shedding of milk teeth is a biological process that many kids are usually excited about. This could be due to the fantasy figure, the Tooth Fairy, who leaves money under their pillows in exchange for the shed tooth. While this experience is exciting, it can also be a traumatic one, especially if you decide to extract your baby's tooth by yourself.

Most parents have the urge to extract their little ones' milk teeth and forego the visit to the dentist. However, this is not always a good idea. Read on for insight into some of the adverse effects of at-home tooth extraction and how your child can benefit from visiting the family dentist.

Effects of at-home tooth extraction

Tooth extraction may seem like a relatively straightforward procedure, and most of the time it is. However, there are instances where you need professional expertise to extract a tooth. If your child has a fractured, decayed or crooked tooth, removing it without professional help would not be a good idea. That's due to the following reasons:

  • A painful infection can result from extracting a decayed or fractured tooth.
  • Removing a crooked tooth without professional help may affect how the permanent teeth grow
  • Forceful tooth removal can cause injury to the gums, especially if the tooth isn't loose enough to come out on its own.

All these issues can make the extraction process traumatising for your little one, and the last thing you need is to have your child scared of shedding teeth because they suffered a painful ordeal.

Why seek professional help

Seeing your family dentist for professional tooth extraction is the best option for your little one. First, the process will be entirely short and painless. The dentist will use an anaesthetic to numb the area and prevent pain during removal. If your child is scared, the dentist may also administer laughing gas to calm their nerves. This will go a long way in easing the process both for you and the child.

Get post-extraction care

In instances where a tooth is infected or decayed, the dentist will administer further treatment to prevent infection and pain. Remember, a tooth extraction process causes some mild bleeding as well. Visiting a dentist allows you them to help you manage the bleeding at the clinic until it stops. You will also receive advice on post-extraction care procedures such as gurgling with saltwater and taking medication for any infection to subside.

Consider visiting a dentist for your child's tooth extractions. Also, don't forget to let your baby carry the tooth home so that they can receive a token from the Tooth Fairy (who, of course, is you).

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