Pain-Free Ways to Remove Your Child's Loose Tooth

Teething is a challenging phase for both parents and children, but by the age of 3, most kids have all 20 of their primary teeth. Yet, the calm doesn’t last long. The teeth that caused so much pain and stress as they emerged are aptly named "baby teeth" because they’re temporary.

By around age 6, these baby teeth begin to fall out, making room for permanent adult teeth. Sometimes, children lose baby teeth prematurely due to decay or other factors, which can cause the adult teeth to emerge too early and lead to spacing problems later (so maintain good brushing and flossing habits). Baby teeth typically fall out in the same order they came in, starting with the bottom two, followed by the top two. The timing varies, but all baby teeth are usually gone by age 13.

Some children are thrilled about losing teeth, especially if they’ve heard about the tooth fairy and the possibility of finding money under their pillows. Others may fear pain or bleeding. While losing baby teeth is far less painful than teething, it can still be tricky—especially when a loose tooth seems to linger. It’s ideal to let the tooth fall out naturally, as baby teeth typically loosen just before the permanent tooth is ready to emerge. That’s the theory, but in practice, it’s not always easy to follow.

Discover how to remove a loose tooth with minimal pain and effort in the next section.

Pulling the Tooth

Many dentists recommend leaving loose teeth alone for several reasons, including the risk of pain. Pulling a tooth prematurely can lead to bleeding gums and a higher chance of infection, according to some dental professionals. However, parents have been removing their children's loose teeth for generations, so dentists understand that you might do it anyway—especially if your child is anxious about a wobbly tooth or fears swallowing it. There’s a proper way to handle it, though. Avoid methods like tying a string to a doorknob and slamming the door, as seen on TV—it’s far from painless!

Encourage your child to wiggle the tooth with their finger or tongue. Often, no pulling is necessary. If the tooth is extremely loose or barely attached, you might consider removal. Otherwise, pulling could cause pain and bleeding. If your child is willing, let them pull the tooth themselves—they can gauge the pain better. Use gauze or tissue for a firm grip, then twist the tooth out. Alternatively, let food do the job: have your child bite into an apple or an ice pop, which might dislodge the tooth and numb any discomfort.

Consult your dentist for their opinion on removing teeth at home. In some cases, permanent teeth may emerge behind baby teeth, resulting in a condition known as "shark's teeth." Rarely, baby teeth may stubbornly remain and require professional extraction at the dentist's office.

Whether you decide to pull them or not, all baby teeth will eventually fall out, making way for a full set of permanent teeth. This marks another significant milestone in your child's development.