Dental emergencies can be very stressful, and it can be difficult to know what to do when you find yourself experiencing one. When it involves your child, this can be even more stressful – especially when it is urgent, like a knocked-out tooth. Fortunately, by remaining calm and seeing your child’s dentist as soon as possible, they can work to restore your child’s smile to health. Read on to learn which steps you should take in the meantime.
How to Handle a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth
Primary teeth don’t have long roots like permanent teeth, so 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 tooth that is 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 usually a more serious situation. Here are the steps you should take if this happens to your child:
- Find the Tooth: You shouldn’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 dirt on the tooth, give it a quick rinse with water. Don’t use any chemicals or soap. Refrain from scrubbing or drying the tooth.
- Return the Tooth to the Socket: 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 hold 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 is scary, but it happens more often than you may think. By remaining calm and acting quickly, your child’s smile will be good as new in no time!
About the Author
Dr. Lance Anderson is an experienced dentist who has been working in the field for over a decade. He earned his Doctor of Dental Medicine degree from the University of Louisville and is a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Wyoming Dental Association. If your child is facing a dental emergency, he would be happy to help. For more information or to schedule an appointment at his office in Lovell, visit his website or call (307) 548-7654.