As parents, one of our greatest responsibilities is to tend to the physical needs of our children and that includes their oral health. That said, no matter how well you plan ahead there’s no guarantee that they will never have a dental emergency, like having a tooth knocked out. Whether they fell off a swing or a friend accidentally threw a ball too hard, your little one is likely frightened or in pain in the heat of the moment. While it’s natural to feel anxious on their behalf, try to stay calm and follow these 4 steps until you can get them to a dentist.
Step #1: Call Your Child’s Dentist
Unless your kid has sustained a life-threatening injury, you should call their dentist first. If you haven’t already, reach out and let them know what has happened. Time is of the essence if they’re going to reattach the lost tooth, so they’ll likely want to see your little one as soon as possible. If there’s a bit of a wait, they can provide information or care instructions for you to follow in the meantime.
Step #2: Find the Tooth
Locating the missing pearly white (or the fracture that broke off) may be essential, depending on your child’s circumstances. If they have lost a baby tooth, there’s less concern about replacing it or reattaching it because it could impact the adult tooth that will soon replace it. If they lost a permanent one, though, you’ll want to bring it with you to the dentist so they can try to reattach it.
Step #3: Store the Tooth Safely
It’s important to keep the tooth, but you need to handle it carefully to avoid damaging it. Always handle it by the crown, or top, and do not touch the roots. Then, you can place it gently in a glass or Ziploc bag with some of your child’s saliva, or milk. Avoid placing it in tap water, as many public sources are treated with chemicals that could hurt it. Using milk or saliva helps ensure the cells remain viable so that the tooth can be put back into your little one’s mouth successfully.
Step #4: Manage Symptoms
If your child is bleeding, you can have them gently bite down on a folded piece of gauze or moistened paper towel to staunch the flow. Try to have them maintain this pressure until it stops. If they’re complaining of pain or appear swollen, generally over-the-counter medications like Tylenol or ibuprofen are safe. Usually, stores carry child-friendly flavors so it’s easier for them to swallow. You could also have them hold an ice pack to that side of their face. The cold can temporarily numb the area for some much-needed relief.
Your child will follow your lead, so remain calm and take proactive steps until you can see the dentist. It can give them peace of mind they need to know they’re well cared for in a scary situation, and that’s a parenting win!
About the Author
Dr. Neil Dean takes pride in providing high-quality dental care to children in a safe and fun environment. He’s a board-certified pediatric dentist who earned his dental degree from the University of Missouri-Kansas City. He then attended the Texas A&M College of Dentistry where he obtained his specialty certificate in pediatric dentistry. He and his dedicated team will see your kid as soon as possible if there’s an emergency and can offer over-the-phone care instructions in the meantime. You’re welcome to request an appointment on the website or by calling (972) 884-5450.
