Accidents happen! What to do if something happens to your child’s tooth?

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Summer is here and all of the fun sports have started! Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere like while playing baseball, rock climbing, riding a bike, running down the sidewalk, dancing... So what should you do if your child hits their mouth or knocks out a tooth? These guidelines will help you determine what to do until you can see your pediatric dentist!

What to do if a BABY tooth is knocked out:

  • Call your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Our office number is 713-461-1509.

  • 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.

  • The pediatric dentist may make an appliance to replace the missing tooth depending on which tooth it is and the age of the child.

What to do if an ADULT tooth is knocked out:

  • Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. DO NOT scrub it or use soap to clean it.

  • 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 “Save-A-Tooth” solution container, or a clean container with cold milk, or your own saliva. DO NOT put it in regular water.

  • Call your pediatric dentist to be seen in the office immediately.

What to do if a tooth is chipped or broken:

  • Call your pediatric dentist right away. They will determine how severe the chip is and if you need to be seen immediately or during normal business hours.

  • If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it to the dentist and they may be able to bond it back together.

What to do for a toothache:

  • Call your pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment for an exam and x-ray to determine the cause of the toothache and necessary treatment.

  • Take over-the-counter pain relievers such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen according to your child’s medical history, age and weight until you can be seen by the dentist.

There are many other types of dental injuries that can happen that aren’t listed here. It’s always best to contact your pediatric dentist right away for any injury so we can help guide you on what to do. Give us a call at 713-461-1509!