Tooth Injuries
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
Contact our office as soon as possible.
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
Contact our office as soon as possible. One of our dentists will be on call and is always available to help our patients of record in these cases.
Most importantly – DO NOT SOAK THE TOOTH IN WATER. Water will destroy the cells needed to keep the tooth alive. Try to pick up the tooth from the “crown” portion (the portion you see when you smile) and not the root. Do not scrub the tooth. If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with a clean towel, napkin, or tissue. If the tooth is dirty, quickly run it under water for less than 10 seconds before placing it back into the socket yourself. If you can’t put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a container of milk. NEVER PLACE THE TOOTH IN WATER. If milk is not available, saliva in a cup is a safe alternative. If the patient is old enough and confident enough to not swallow their tooth, it can also be stored in their their mouth, next to their cheek. Please call our emergency number if it is after hours. The tooth has a better chance of being saved if you act immediately.
What should I do if my child’s tooth is fractured or chipped?
Contact our office as soon as possible to determine what the best course of treatment is. Our goal is to save the tooth and prevent infection. Rinse the mouth out with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. It’s possible that if you can find the broken tooth fragment, it can be bonded back to the tooth. Place the broken fragment in milk and save it to be brought to our office.
How can we prevent dental injuries?
Simple. Sport related dental injuries can be reduced or prevented by wearing mouth guards. Ask our office about a mouth guard at your child’s next dental visit if you are interested in having one fabricated. Child proofing your home can help reduce injuries at home. In addition, regular dental check ups will contribute to preventative care
