Help!
My Child Knocked Their Tooth Out!
Step 1: Stay Calm
As toddlers and children grow and become more active, the chance of falls and accidents increases. It can be startling to have your child come to you, crying inconsolably, with a bleeding mouth. Whether it’s a baby tooth or permanent tooth that has been knocked out, the chances for a positive outcome increase when a parent or caregiver can stay calm and seek prompt treatment from their dentist.
We understand that having a tooth knocked out, at any age, can be a scary experience. We are here to provide excellent care for your entire family!
What to do When a Baby Tooth is Knocked Out
Baby teeth are easier to knock out because they don’t have long roots holding them in place. The good news is that there is a lower chance for tissue damage.
- Stay calm. Comfort your child and try to get them to calm down.
- Wet a clean washcloth or gauze with cold water and have the child bite down on the cloth to slow bleeding and reduce swelling.
- Lost baby teeth are rarely reattached, but if you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown, being careful not to touch or wipe the root. Rinse the tooth with milk, which has a chemical composition similar to saliva. If you don’t have milk, contact solution/saline is a good option. Store the tooth in a zip-top bag or container, completely covering the tooth with milk or contact solution.
- Call our office at 715-483-5026 as soon as the situation is under control. If it is after-hours, follow our emergency procedures. We will help you determine the next steps which may include a visit to assess damage to tissue and other teeth and the need for a space maintainer.
What to do When a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out
The steps to take when dealing with a knocked out permanent tooth are similar to those above. However, whenever a permanent tooth is knocked out, loosened, or chipped, it’s important to contact our office at 715-483-5026 right away. With prompt care, the likelihood that the tooth can be reattached is very good.
- Stay calm. Comfort your child and try to get them to calm down.
- Wet a clean washcloth or gauze with cold water and have the child bite down on the cloth to slow bleeding and reduce swelling.
- Make a reasonable effort to find the lost tooth. If you do, pick it up by the crown, being careful not to touch or wipe the root. Rinse the tooth with milk, which has a chemical composition similar to saliva. If you don’t have milk, contact solution/saline is a good option.
- If your child will allow, try to insert the root of the tooth into the socket once the bleeding has slowed. If this isn’t possible, store the tooth in a zip-top bag or container with milk or contact solution. Make sure the entire tooth is covered or submerged.
- Call our office at 715-483-5026 as soon as you can. If it is after-hours, follow our emergency procedures.
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We proudly Serve the Entire St. croix Valley!
We serve the entire St. Croix Valley, including St. Croix Falls, Taylors Falls, Osceola, Turtle Lake & Grantsburg areas. Our full service dental clinic can still ensure you have the best dental hygiene possible. New patients are always welcome, so come visit us today to discuss your options. You’ll see for yourself why patient satisfaction is so high. Our friendly staff are more than happy to help!