How to Pull Out a Loose Tooth

All kids get loose teeth that fall out – it’s the body’s natural way of making room for adult teeth and starts around age six. It's best to let baby teeth fall out on their own if possible.^{[1]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source} However, if your kid is determined to get their loose tooth out, you can try a few tactics. Loose adult teeth, on the other hand, are a serious problem and you should never try to pull them out on your own. It's difficult to pull out your own teeth, plus it's painful and could be harmful to your health.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Losing Baby (Primary) Teeth

Download Article

1
Watch for wide movement. Before anyone tries to pull a baby tooth out, it should be moving quite a bit. That is, your child should be able to move it back and forth and side to side without much pain. Lots of movement means the tooth is about ready to come out.^{[2]XResearch source}
- As noted, it's always best to let the baby tooth fall out on its own if possible.
Wiggling it is a great way to start getting that tooth out. Have your child wiggle it around with their tongue. They can do this movement throughout the day until the tooth falls out. Tell your child to only wiggle it as much as they can without discomfort.^{[3]XResearch source}
Advertisement
To speed up the loosening process, offer carrots, apples, or other crunchy foods to help loosen the tooth gradually. It might even come out on its own with the child barely noticing.
4
Pull it out with a tissue. The best way to pull out a kid's tooth is to grasp it with tissue or gauze. Try to pull the tooth out with a gentle tug. If the tooth is especially resistant or the child cries out, it's best to wait a few days. However, the tooth will often come right out.^{[4]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- Some kids won't like you touching their teeth at all, and in that case, it's best to leave it alone. You can also let the child try to pull it out themselves.
5
Consult the dentist. Try to be sure that the tooth is naturally loose, rather than from an accident, decay, or another reason. Talk to your doctor if you have doubts. If it takes more than two to three months to come out, it's also a good idea to see the dentist. Ask whether or not the tooth should be removed or left to fall out on its own.^{[5]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
- After consulting the dentist, be sure to follow their advice exactly.
If the area is bloody after the tooth falls out, hold a cotton ball gently to the gum. You can also have the child bite on it. You may need to hold it on as long as 30 minutes, as gums take longer to clot than other parts of the body.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Dealing with Loose Teeth as an Adult

Download Article

1
Visit a dentist. If at all possible, you should go to a dentist to extract an adult tooth. Your adult teeth have longer roots, making it much more painful to remove an adult tooth. Plus, you'll likely have infection underneath that the dentist will need to deal with.^{[6]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.}
- Tooth extraction is a serious medical procedure. Apart from being painful, you can lose a lot of blood and develop an infection without proper care.
- If you can't afford a regular dentist, look for a dental school in your area that may do it cheaper. Also, many cities have free or cheap temporary dental clinics from time to time, which may make it affordable for you.
2
Don’t attempt to remove the tooth. Never try to remove an adult tooth on your own. It’s a job that should only be left to licensed dentists. Trying to extract a tooth on your own – or with the help of an unlicensed dentist – could put you at risk of serious medical complications.
- Be aware that there are many things that could wrong. The tooth could be improperly removed, causing infection or nerve and tissue damage.
- Also know that practicing dentistry without a license is illegal. Depending on where you live, it can be either a misdemeanor or a felony and lead to fines, probation, or even imprisonment.^{[7]XResearch source}

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Practicing Aftercare

Download Article

1
Take pain medications. Having a tooth removed can be a painful procedure. Try an NSAID like ibuprofen or naproxen sodium for pain. Acetaminophen is also okay.^{[8]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} Skip aspirin, as it could make the bleeding worse.^{[9]XResearch source}
- Taking vitamin C may also help the healing process.
Don't rinse your mouth for the first 24 hours. You can eat and drink lukewarm food, though not in the area where you removed the tooth. Make sure you're eating on the other side. You need to leave the hole alone as much as possible.^{[10]XResearch source}
Alcohol may seem logical since it can help you avoid the pain. However, it can keep the wound from healing properly. In addition, it can make it bleed more, which you definitely don't want.^{[11]XResearch source}
You will need to brush your teeth, but you should wait a day. When you do brush your teeth, be especially gentle around the extraction site. You don't want to pull up the clot accidentally.^{[12]XResearch source}
^{[13]XExpert SourceTu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified DentistExpert Interview. 10 April 2020.} It can also help to rinse with saltwater after the first 24 hours, which can remove some bacteria. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a glass of water. Swish it around in your mouth for 20 to 30 seconds, particularly near the clot, and then spit it out.^{[14]XResearch source}

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question
Can I pull my own tooth out?
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Dr. Tu Anh Vu is a Board Certified Dentist and Owner of Tu's Dental, her private practice, in Brooklyn, New York. With over six years of clinical experience, Dr. Vu helps adults and kids of all ages get over their anxiety with dental phobia. Dr. Vu has conducted research related to finding the cure for Kaposi Sarcoma cancer and has presented her research at the Hinman Meeting in Memphis. She received her undergraduate degree from Bryn Mawr College and a DMD from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine.
Tu Anh Vu, DMD
Board Certified Dentist
Expert Answer
If you're losing an adult tooth, you should see a dentist to help determine the cause and prevent bacteria from growing.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 12 Helpful 16
Question
I have a loose baby tooth and I tried eating some hard foods, but it still won't come out. What should I do?
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Expert Answer
If it is loose enough and the root resorption has begun due to the permanent tooth that is growing, the baby tooth will eventually come out when eating crunchy food. If you can see the permanent tooth growing next to the baby tooth and the baby tooth is still not moving, then you should go to a pediatric dentist.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 77 Helpful 168
Question
How to get a very very loose tooth out without much pain?
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Dr. Macau is a Doctor of Dental Surgery based in London, England. Dr. Macau is an oral surgeon, periodontist, and aesthetician at Favero Dental Clinic where he is known for his cosmetic dentistry and facial aesthetics work. He is actively involved in scientific research in the field of dentistry and he received his DDS from Carol Davila University of Medicine in 2015.
Cristian Macau, DDS
Doctor of Dental Surgery
Expert Answer
The best way to do it is to pull it out fast. Try using the method with the dental floss. Make a strong knot around it and also make sure the floss is strong enough and then ask someone to pull it out for you. There are plenty of online tutorials where you can see the exact method.
Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If How.com.vn has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission.Support How.com.vn
Yes No
Not Helpful 113 Helpful 179

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

If your tooth is giving you pain and is not yet ready to come out, take some painkillers and/or numb it with ice.
Thanks
Helpful2 Not Helpful0
Go to the dentist and ask them it’s better off asking a professional dentist to take out teeth properly so it won’t hurt.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful1
If it is a baby tooth then it will come out when it is ready.
Thanks
Helpful1 Not Helpful2

Show More Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

Warnings

Again, NEVER try to extract an adult tooth on your own. You should only have this procedure done by a licensed dentist.
Thanks
Helpful90 Not Helpful23
Never try and pull a tooth out using a doorknob and string. It can damage teeth and gums.
Thanks
Helpful83 Not Helpful27