Any time a child gets hurt, it can be a scary moment for parents and caregivers. From a scraped knee to a chipped tooth, this is never something you want to see! But kids will be kids, so where dental emergencies are concerned, we’ve got you covered:
How to Handle a Knocked out Baby Tooth
- Contact Us: If your child knocks out their baby tooth, contact us as soon as you can. We can give simple solutions to provide comfort and prevent infection.
- At-Home Remedies: To provide comfort at home, start by rinsing the mouth out. After rinsing, use a cold cloth and apply pressure to the gum to reduce the swelling.
- Talk to Your Child: Losing a tooth can be a scary moment for a child. Explain to them how teeth fall out, and new ones grow!
How to Handle a Knocked out Permanent Tooth
- Find the Tooth: Often times, a tooth can be saved and even replanted into the mouth. Start by rinsing it in cold water. Do not brush or scrub it.
- Come See Us Immediately: Come in for your appointment as soon as you can. If the wait is longer than 2-3 hours, set the tooth back in the socket, and hold it in place with a clean cloth. This way, the area won’t start to heal. If this isn’t possible, keep the tooth in a safe place until you get here.
How to Handle a Chipped or Broken Tooth
- Give Us a Call: The quicker you take action, the better chance we have to save the tooth, keep it from getting infected and reduce further complications.
- Take Care of the Mouth: Use a cold compress to reduce swelling and flush the mouth out with warm water to prevent infectious growth.
Accidents can’t always be prevented, but there are some precautions you can take to reduce the chances of one of these emergencies happening in the first place. Our best recommendation is wearing a mouthguard! Not sure which mouthguard is best for your child? Check out our recent blog!
And for more dental emergency information, contact us today!