Kids are constantly on the go—running, jumping, playing sports—so it’s not surprising that dental accidents happen. But if your child accidentally knocks out a tooth, should you be worried? Absolutely! Baby teeth are important to the development of their adult smile. So, you must act quickly and know the right steps to save the day for your child. Continue reading to see what you need to do if your child has an unexpected knocked-out tooth.
Your Immediate Action Plan for a Knocked-Out Tooth
If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, it’s important to stay calm and follow these steps:
- Check for Other Injuries: Make sure your child hasn’t hurt themselves in another way like a broken bone or deep cut.
- Don’t Try to Put the Tooth Back: Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth should not be reinserted as it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
- Control Bleeding: Apply pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. Have your child bite down gently to help control the bleeding.
- Clean the Area: Rinse your child’s mouth with water to clean the area.
- Contact the Dentist: Call your child’s dentist immediately to tell them about the situation and get advice on the next steps.
- Preserve the Tooth: If you find the tooth, place it in a cup of milk, saline, or saliva. Even though baby teeth won’t be reimplanted, you may not know if it’s actually a baby tooth until you see your child’s dentist. So, it’s better to be safe!
What Will a Dentist Do for a Knocked-Out Tooth?
When your child sees their dentist, comfort will be the top priority. First, their dentist may offer your little one some topical anesthetic to soothe discomfort. Then, they’ll assess the area, checking for damage to all surrounding teeth including the developing adult tooth underneath. Once they’ve made sure your child’s dental structures and tissues aren’t damaged, they’ll offer solutions to keep their smile healthy.
For example, a space maintainer could be an option if the tooth wasn’t prepared to come out. This is a custom-made appliance that holds the gap left by your child’s missing tooth open for their permanent tooth to come in correctly.
Whatever the situation may be surrounding your child’s knocked-out tooth, a trip to the dentist is critical. So, stay composed, check over your action plan, and move quickly. Your child’s smile is a precious resource that shouldn’t be wasted!
About the Author
Dr. Sheh Vahid is a compassionate pediatric dentist with a doctorate from the University of Pennsylvania School of Dental Medicine and specialty training from the University of Michigan. She truly cares for her young patients, offering comfort and quality treatment for dental issues of all kinds. Call (678) 498-2878 to schedule an emergency appointment for your child at Woodland Pediatric Dentistry or visit our website to learn more about our services.