What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is knocked out?
A knocked-out tooth is a dental emergency, and acting quickly can increase the chances of saving it. If a tooth is knocked out, locate it immediately and handle it carefully by the crown (the white part), avoiding contact with the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with cool water, but do not scrub it or use soap—only water should be used. If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket, holding it in place with clean gauze or a washcloth. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, keep it moist by placing it in a clean container with cold milk, the child’s saliva, or water as a last resort.
Seek emergency dental care as soon as possible. Contact a pediatric dentist immediately, and if the incident occurs after hours, call their emergency number. The sooner you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth. If your child has sustained a head injury, severe bleeding, or facial lacerations, go to the emergency room of a children’s hospital first before addressing the dental injury. Quick and proper care is essential in preserving a knocked-out tooth and ensuring the best possible outcome.
What should I do if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?
If your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, have them bite on a piece of gauze or a paper towel to help stop the bleeding. Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth should not be replanted, as doing so could harm the developing permanent tooth underneath. In most cases, no additional treatment or dental examination is needed.
What should I do if my child’s permanent tooth is bumped so hard that it comes loose?
If your child’s permanent tooth is hit with enough force to become loose, contact your pediatric dentist immediately. If the injury occurs after hours, call the emergency number for urgent guidance. In many cases, the tooth may need to be stabilized by splinting it to the adjacent teeth to allow for proper healing. Prompt dental care is essential to prevent further damage and improve the chances of a full recovery.
If your child has also suffered a head injury, severe bleeding, or facial lacerations, seek medical attention at a children’s hospital emergency room first before addressing the dental injury. Acting quickly can help ensure the best possible outcome for your child’s tooth and overall health.
What if a permanent tooth is chipped or fractured?
If your child chips or fractures a permanent tooth, rinse their mouth with water to keep the area clean. If the lip is also injured, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling. If you can locate the broken tooth fragment, place it in cold milk or water and bring it with you to the dental office.
If the fracture exposes the pulp (visible as a red spot inside the tooth), your child should see a dentist within 48 hours for proper treatment. If there is no pulp exposure, you can schedule an exam at your convenience.
What if a baby tooth is chipped or fractured?
If your child’s baby tooth is chipped or fractured, first check for any pulp exposure (a red spot visible inside the tooth). If the pulp is exposed, schedule a visit to the dentist on the next business day, as the tooth may become sensitive and require prompt care. If there is no pulp exposure, you can schedule an exam at your convenience. For small fractures, treatment is typically not necessary,
What if a filling or a crown falls out?
If your child’s filling or crown falls out and the area is painful, have them chew on the other side of their mouth to avoid further irritation. Offering soft foods can help keep them comfortable, and you can give Tylenol or ibuprofen if the pain is significant. Contact the dental office to schedule an exam on the next business day for proper treatment. If there is no pain, you can schedule an exam at your convenience.
What is there is a “double tooth” (i.e. a tooth growing in front of or behind the other tooth)?
A “double tooth” occurs when a permanent tooth grows in front of or behind a baby tooth. This is quite common, especially in the lower front area of the mouth, where the permanent incisors often grow behind the baby teeth. It can also happen with the upper teeth, such as the canines or premolars, where the permanent tooth grows in front of the baby tooth.
In most cases, the baby tooth will eventually fall out on its own, and no treatment is necessary. However, if the permanent tooth has grown in almost fully and the baby tooth is still in place and not loosening, the dentist may need to remove the baby tooth to allow the permanent tooth to come through. You can schedule an exam at your convenience to evaluate the situation and determine if any action is needed
What if there is a bump in front of a tooth with a cavity or if my child is having pain from a cavity?
A bump in front of a tooth with a cavity or pain from a cavity can be a sign of a dental infection. To help manage discomfort, provide soft foods and have your child chew on the opposite side of their mouth. Keep the affected area clean by brushing and flossing gently to remove any food particles from the cavity. You can give ibuprofen or Tylenol for pain relief, and a cold compress or popsicles can help soothe the area.
It’s important to contact your pediatric dentist for an emergency exam as soon as possible, ideally on the next business day, to address the infection and prevent further complications.
What if my child has facial swelling and/or fever which seems to be related to a dental issue?
If your child experiences facial swelling and/or fever that seems related to a dental issue, it’s important to seek immediate medical attention. Take your child to urgent care or the emergency room at a children’s hospital as soon as possible, as they will likely need antibiotics to treat the infection.
If your child is having difficulty swallowing, or if the swelling spreads to the neck or eye area, go directly to the emergency room, as this could be a serious situation that requires urgent care. Prompt attention is crucial to prevent complications and ensure your child’s safety
