What to Do if Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth
Accidents happen, and if your child knocks out a tooth, knowing how to act quickly can make all the difference. Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent one, proper care is essential to avoid complications and ensure the best outcome. At John Street Dental, your trusted local dentist and Redcliffe dentist, we’re here to help with expert care for all your kids’ dental and emergency dental needs.
Is the Tooth Chipped or Completely Knocked Out?
First, identify if the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth:
- Baby teeth: Saving a knocked-out baby tooth isn’t as critical, but you should still contact your children’s dental care provider.
- Permanent teeth: For permanent teeth, immediate action is necessary to increase the chances of successful reattachment.
Steps to Take If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth
1. Handle the tooth carefully.
- Only touch the crown (the top part), avoiding the root.
- Gently rinse it with milk or saline solution—never scrub it or use soap.
2. Keep the tooth moist.
- If possible, reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold it in place.
- If reinsertion isn’t an option, place the tooth in a container of milk or your child’s saliva. Avoid water as it can damage the cells.
3. Contact your dentist immediately.
- Time is critical! Call an emergency dental clinic or your local dentist for immediate assistance.
What to Do If Your Child Chips a Tooth
If your child chips a tooth, follow these steps:
- Collect any pieces of the tooth.
- Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean the area.
- Call your Redcliffe dentist or search for a dentist near me who offers emergency dental care.
- Stop the bleeding.
- Apply gentle pressure with cold, wet gauze. If your child can follow instructions, have them bite down on the gauze.
- Reduce swelling.
- Use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth or offer an ice cube to soothe the area.
- Provide pain relief as needed and contact your dentist without delay.
We’re Here to Help
When it comes to children’s dental care and handling dental emergencies, John Street Dental is your trusted partner in keeping your family’s smiles healthy. Call us today at 07 3284 4281 or book an appointment online.
Your child’s smile deserves the best care, and we’re proud to be your go-to Redcliffe dentist and kids’ dental specialists.
