Excessive Teeth Pulling

Some people pull their hari, others pull out their eyelashes and yet there are many things people do when they need to feel some comfort from their own sense of control in their own life-all ages included. Start out by talking toher not questioning- and see if you can pick up on what bothers her. You may want to find a couselor to talk to-for you then maybe her. Now on the other side of this-there are some great battery operated toothbrushes out there for the kids-remember SOFT brushes only-let her help pick out one she likes and see if this helps also a brushing chart may make it good for all of yo so she isn't doing it ALLDAY LONG-that could be a sign of the other issues. And a trip to the dentist and if you can see the educational programs too-all will help. Now watch the "issues" as if this stops the teeth thing then it could show up in another issue down the line-some people again all ages just need extra support along the way-give it and don't be tough-love is needed here!

If her teeth are even a tiny bit loose she is probably just trying to help them along to get her money for them (if you guys do that in your house). I actually did that same thing when I was younger. I also didn't like them being really loose--it was annoying. So I helped them along. Plus for some reason if I could feel them move even a slight bit I just couldn't help myself from moving them, yanking on them, etc. I was also anxious to have them all out and have my permanent teeth in. Maybe your daughter is the same way. ?? Whatever the case, they're baby teeth. I wouldn't worry about it. If she still does it to her permanent teeth then you have a problem. Have you asked her the exact reason why she keeps pulling on them? Good luck!

Does she do this with anything else? Hopefully and probably she doesn't, but I would watch for signs of other compulsions, just in case...if she does have some OCD tendencies (which she probably doesn't) you would want to know sooner rather than later.

Other than that I agree with a trip to the dentist. The tooth fairy thing was an interesting point too, that could also be the issue.

Have you tried that finger nail polish used to keep people from biting their nails? To me it smells like bananas but it tastes god-awful! It may be a temporary fix to deter her from putting her hands in her mouth to pull her teeth. Maybe it will deter her enough to get used to not having her hands at her teeth and in turn break the habit of putting her hands to her mouth to pull teeth? Good luck, hope you find something that works!

She is getting beyond interested in teeth to very much in need of help when she starts on the permanent teeth. You need to talk with a dentist and see if he can talk to her and it's not good to even pull teeth out when not ready, even baby teeth as it can bruise the root I have been told. Then ask the dentist how soon she can get into dental school? :-) She'd really be discouraged from pulling teeth there. I hope you can find out what is upsetting her soon. Be sure her gums are in good shape as sometimes that can make teeth feel loose.

Does she still buy into the whole Tooth Fairy thing? If so (or even if she doesn't), tell her that the Tooth Fairy (or you) will not take teeth that don't come out on their own. It sounds to me like she's being a bit impatient about that reward. If she knows she'll lose the reward by interfering, she may stop.

If that doesn't do it, I do advise a visit and talk with the dentist. A professional tooth person might be just what she needs.

*Edit* Why the heck is her teach allowing children to pull your daughter's tooth? Sounds like you need to contact the teacher and let them know that kind of behavior will not be tolerated. The school could end up with a lawsuit on their hands if a child ends up injured.

Luck!
C.

St Louis has a Dental Health theater/institute for kids.....or they used to! Maybe research this & take your daughter there.... Good Luck.