Accidents happen, especially when it comes to rambunctious kids, but being prepared for the unexpected can often be the difference between chaos and calm. If your child is experiencing a dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, here’s what you should do to help them avoid panic and protect their oral health, too!
If Your Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth
The good news about losing baby teeth is that yes, they were meant to come out anyway. That means you won’t need to replace a prematurely lost tooth, nor will your dentist need to try to reimplant it. Still, it is important to bring your little one to an emergency dentist for children as soon as possible. This is not only to ensure that there are no fragments of tooth left behind in the socket, but also to check the nearby teeth for any damage below the gumline.
Furthermore, because a prematurely lost tooth can cause your child’s permanent teeth to grow in earlier than they should and cause spacing issues that could eventually require orthodontic treatment, it is important to make sure they visit their dentist regularly to monitor their progress moving forward. In some cases, your dentist may even recommend a spacer to help keep your child’s smile in proper alignment, so when their permanent teeth are ready to erupt, there is plenty of space for them to do so!
If Your Child Knocks Out a Permanent Tooth
If your child has lost a permanent tooth, time is of the essence to save it. First, locate the tooth if you can. If it has fallen on the ground or is dirty or covered in debris, rinse it off. Next, ensure that your child’s mouth is not bleeding from any other area. If it is, you can have them apply pressure with a clean washcloth or piece of gauze. If you can, place the tooth back in the socket, or have your child hold it between their cheek and gums. You can also keep it submerged in a container of tooth preservation fluid (great to have on hand if your child plays sports or is very physically active), saliva, or milk. Never submerge a tooth in water, as this can damage the cells located on the root surface. These are vital for successfully reattaching the tooth to the socket.
Call your children’s emergency dentist right away for an urgent appointment and be sure to bring the tooth. It may be possible to reimplant it, and the sooner you act, the better the odds of success. Teeth begin to die within fifteen minutes of falling out, and the ideal time for reimplantation is within 30 minutes.
Caring for Your Child’s Re-Implanted Tooth
If your child’s emergency dentist can successfully reimplant the tooth, be sure to follow the aftercare instructions closely. Have your child avoid chewing with that side of the mouth, and do not let them play with the tooth or touch it with their tongue, fingers, or toothbrush. Be sure to contact the dentist if they develop any complications, such as if the tooth falls out again, or if the gums become swollen or tender.
While your emergency dentist will make every effort to save the tooth, there are no guarantees that it will be successful. If the reimplantation does fail, they will be happy to discuss tooth replacement options with you at your follow-up appointment.
Remember, accidental injuries like a knocked-out tooth are common in children, but you’ll need to act quickly if you want to save their smile. Follow the above tips to stay calm and collected and call your child’s emergency dentist as soon as possible for the best odds for success.
About Our Practice
At Coral Kids Dentistry and Braces, our skilled, caring, and talented trio of dentists is here to make dentistry comfortable for your children. If your little one is experiencing a dental emergency such as a knocked-out tooth, time matters! For a same-day emergency exam, call us directly as soon as possible at 905-581-7966 in St. Catharines, or 289-855-5437 in Hamilton.