Courtesy of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry
The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry has developed this brief guide to help rents and caregivers be prepared for the most common types of childhood tooth injuries. Visit www.mychildrensteeth.org to locate a pediatric dentist near your home.
A baby tooth is knocked out
»Contact your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Quick action can lessen a child’s discomfort and prevent infection.
»Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
»Spend time comforting the child rather than looking for the tooth. Remember, baby teeth should not be replanted because of potential damage to developing permanent teeth.
A permanent tooth is knocked out
»Find the tooth. Rinse it gently in cool water. Do not scrub it or use soap.
»Replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. »If you cannot put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container, preferably with cold milk. If milk is not available, put it in a container with the child’s saliva, but not in water.
»Take the child and the tooth to your pediatric dental office immediately or call the emergency number if it is after hours.
A tooth is chipped or broken
»Contact your pediatric dentist immediately. Fast action can save the tooth, prevent infection, and reduce the need for extensive dental treatment.
»Rinse the mouth with water and apply cold compresses to reduce swelling.
»If you can find the broken tooth fragment, it is important to take it to the dentist.
An activity involves risk
of falls or collisions
»Wear a mouth guard when activity involves a risk of falls, collisions or contact with hard surfaces or equipment.
»Pre-formed mouth guards can be purchased in sporting goods stores, or customized mouth guards can be made by a pediatric dentist.
