It’s not possible to predict dental emergencies – and as a parent, the very last thing you should want your child to ensure is an injury such as a knocked-out tooth! These situations can be alarming for you and your child, but luckily, a little quick thinking can make all the difference in the world when it comes to getting their smile back on track. Here’s a closer look at some key steps you should take if your child has knocked out one of their teeth, along with some tips for preventing these scenarios.
Steps You Should Take If Your Child Knocks Out Their Tooth
Here are five easy-to-follow steps you should keep in mind if your child has knocked out one of their teeth:
- Find the tooth and carefully retrieve it. If there are fragments of the tooth, try to gather them. Do not touch the roots and hold the tooth by the top.
- Be careful not to rub the tooth or rinse it under running water; it’s vital to keep the tooth’s surface cells alive, as they’re needed for reattachment.
- You can attempt to reinsert the tooth back into the socket by having your child bite down gently on gauze or a moist cloth.
- If you cannot safely reinsert the tooth, don’t sweat it – instead, store it in a small plastic container or a glass of cold milk. Some pharmacies also have over-the-counter solutions.
- Get your child to their dentist as soon as possible for treatment! Teeth have the best odds of being replanted within an hour of being knocked out.
Tips for Preventing Dental Emergencies
Though it isn’t always possible, it’s still preferable to try to prevent dental emergencies from occurring in the first place. If your child plays sports, be sure that they wear a protective mouthguard, as dental emergencies are more likely to occur during these activities. Likewise, a dental emergency is far more likely to unfold if your child’s general oral health isn’t great, so be sure they’re brushing and flossing every day in addition to attending their dental checkups.
Remember, the very last thing you should do if your child knocks out one of their teeth is panic – staying calm will relay to your child that things are going to be okay, and getting to their dentist’s office quickly will ensure that their smile is mended!
About the Practice
Our team here at Son Shine Pediatric Dentistry has proudly served the needs of families in Waterford and the surrounding community for several years, offering a wide range of pediatric dental services for children of all ages, including same-day emergency treatment. If you have any questions about the blog or you’d like to get in touch with us to schedule an appointment for your child, please reach out online or call today. Telephone: (814) 679-4000.