If you’ve ever experienced a dental emergency, you know just how stressful it can be. It’s difficult to know what to do, and they often cause a lot of discomfort. When it involves your child, this can be even more challenging to deal with – especially when it’s urgent, like a knocked-out tooth. Fortunately, by acting quickly and calmly, your child’s smile will be good as new in no time. Here’s what you should do.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Primary teeth don’t have long roots like permanent teeth. They tend to come out much easier in the event of an injury. Typically, baby teeth don’t need to be replaced because doing so can cause damage to the underlying permanent teeth that are still developing. However, this doesn’t always mean that your child is in the clear. Ask them to bite down on a clean washcloth soaked in cold water to compress the area. This will help to reduce swelling and stop the bleeding. Afterward, give their dentist a call. They will be able to give you further instructions and let you know if you should go to the dental office.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
If your child knocked out a permanent tooth, this is generally a more serious situation. Here are the steps you should take if this happens to your child:
- Find the Tooth: Don’t leave the tooth behind. Once you find it, pick it up by the crown or the chewing surface. Avoid touching the root because you don’t want to accidentally cause additional damage.
- Clean the Tooth: If there is any dirt on the tooth, give it a quick rinse. Don’t use any chemicals or soap. Refrain from scrubbing or drying the tooth.
- Return the Tooth: Help your child place their tooth back into the socket. Have them gently bite down and try to keep it in place. If you aren’t able to do this, have them keep it in their cheek or place the tooth into a container of milk or saliva.
- Go to Their Dentist: By getting to an emergency dentist within an hour, there will be a much greater chance that your child’s tooth will be saved.
Knocking out a tooth can be scary – especially for your child. But it happens more often than you may think. By acting quickly, your child’s smile will be all fixed up in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Sam Antoon is an experienced dentist who has been practicing for more than three decades. He earned his dental doctorate from the Southern Illinois University’s School of Dental Medicine. Currently, he is a proud member of the American Dental Association, Texas Dental Association, and the Fourth District Dental Society. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Plano, visit his website or call (972) 640-6229.