What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

When your child experiences a traumatic event serious enough to knock out a tooth, a parent may experience a feeling of panic. It is important for the adult to stay calm … this will help your child to remain calm. The first thing you should do is to make sure your child is safe; always keep the number for the family dentist readily available. If you can’t reach your customary dental provider, you will likely be referred to a children’s emergency dentist.

Make a call and try to get to the dentist within an hour. If the lost tooth is a primary (baby) tooth, chances are your dentist will recommend doing nothing. This tooth would be lost eventually. Depending on the age of your child, a space maintainer may be placed to prevent remaining teeth from shifting preventing the permanent tooth from erupting correctly.

If the knocked out tooth is a permanent tooth, holding the tooth from the crown try to replace in the dental socket. If there is substantial bleeding, or the child is too anxious to attempt this, place the tooth in a glass of milk (if available) or water and get to the children’s emergency dentist as soon as possible.

Pediatric dentistry will very likely be able to salvage your child’s tooth. A rapid response is essential, usually within one hour.

Of course, prevention is always better than the need for emergency care. If your child engages in sports activities, the best way to care for their teeth is by providing them with a mouth guard. A custom fitted mouth guard will not only protect teeth, the soft tissues in and around the mouth are safeguarded from injury or trauma as well.

Accidents do happen, however, no matter how careful you are. Being prepared and having the knowledge to know what actions to take are critical.

Know the contact information for your dental provider; make sure this information is provided to all the persons you entrust your child’s care to. Make sure you can be contacted if your child is injured; your permission to treat will be required. Instruct caregivers and your child of what actions should be taken in the event that action is needed.

Preparation and the correct course of action may help to preserve your child’s smile following injury or traumatic event.