Burpengary Dentist Answers: What to do When Your Child Knocks a Tooth?

If your child knocks out a tooth, it’s important to act quickly and appropriately to ensure the best chance of saving the tooth and preventing further complications.

Is the tooth chipped or knocked out completely?

Determine if it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. If it’s a baby tooth, you don’t need to worry as much about saving it, but you should still consult a dentist. If it’s a permanent tooth, you’ll want to try to save it.

If your child has knocked out a tooth:

• Only hold the tooth by the crown, not by the root. Rinse the tooth, gently with milk or saline solution. Do not scrub it or use soap.
• If you can’t reinsert the tooth, keep it moist. You can place it in a container of milk or the child’s saliva. Avoid using water, as it can damage the tooth’s cells.
• Contact your child’s dentist or an emergency dental clinic as soon as possible. Time is crucial for the successful reattachment of the tooth.

If your child has chipped a tooth:

• Collect all the pieces
• Rinse the mouth with warm water
• Call a dentist right away or head to the emergency room
• If the tooth or gums are bleeding, apply pressure to the area with a piece of cold, wet gauze. If your child is old enough to follow directions, ask them to bite down on gauze.
• Offer an ice block or ice cube to suck on to reduce swelling. Alternatively, use and icepack wrapped in a washcloth.
• Give them pain relief as needed.
• Call a dentist

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