A dislodged baby
tooth
can't be replaced and does
not
need to be put back in. On the other hand, a permanent tooth, which
is more sharply defined than a baby tooth, can often be saved if
prompt action is taken and the tooth is handled carefully. A
permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if replaced within
30 minutes.
When a Baby or Toddler Injures Gums or Teeth
- If there's bleeding, put cold water on a piece of gauze
and apply pressure to the site.
- To reduce swelling, offer the child an ice pop to suck.
- Call a dentist. He or she will probably want to see the child
to assess the need for realignment or removal of a very loose
tooth. If the child is very young, the dentist may recommend a
spacer to keep the rest of the teeth in place until the permanent
tooth appears.
- Over the following week, watch for signs of an abscess such
as fever and swollen, tender gums next to the injury site.
If a Permanent Tooth is Chipped or Broken
- Collect all the pieces of the tooth.
- Rinse the damaged area of the mouth with warm water.
- Give the child a cold compress to hold on the injured
tooth.
- See a dentist right away.
If a Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out
-
Hold the tooth by the crown (the top),
not
the root.
- Rinse the tooth immediately with saline solution or milk.
(Tap water should be used only as a last resort; it contains
chlorine, which may damage the root.) Do not scrub the
tooth.
- The best place to preserve the tooth on the way to the
dentist is in its socket. If your child is old enough and mature
enough not to swallow it, replace it gently, then have the child
bite down on a gauze pad to keep it in place.
- If the tooth can't be reinserted, put it in milk - a good
preservative because its chemical makeup is compatible with
teeth. If milk isn't available, place it inside your own
mouth, between your cheek and lower gum.
- Give the child a gauze pad or handkerchief to bite down on,
which will help lessen bleeding and ease the pain.
- See a dentist right away or visit a local children's
hospital - most also have dental services for children.
Updated and reviewed by:
Lisa A. Goss, RDH, BS
Date reviewed: July 2007
Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice,
diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor.
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