How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth in Children?
Tips to Manage the Knocked-out Tooth Situation?
Stay Calm and Assess the Situation
The first thing to do is stay calm. Parents do feel worried when their child loses a tooth, but staying calm will help them think clearly. Check if your child is hurt anywhere else, like in the head or face, or if they might have a concussion. If there’s bleeding from the mouth or lip, gently press a clean cloth on it to stop the bleeding before you worry about the tooth.
Locate the Knocked out Tooth
If the tooth is missing, try to find it right away. It must have fallen on the ground or in a nearby place where your child might have been. Be careful with the tooth if you find it, as handling it gently can help save it. Keep in mind that only permanent teeth can be put back in place. If your child is younger than six, the tooth is probably a baby tooth, which can’t be put back in. In that case, take your child to the pediatric dentist to figure out what to do next.
Handle the Tooth Carefully
When picking up the tooth, don’t touch the root. The root is fragile, and touching it could harm the cells needed to put the tooth back. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with cool water to remove dirt. But don’t scrub it or use soap, toothpaste, or chemicals, as these could damage the tooth.
Preserve the Tooth in the Right Way
It’s important to act quickly when a tooth is knocked out. The sooner it’s put back in, the better the chances of saving it. If you can’t get to a dentist, ensure to keep the tooth safe. Here are a few ways to do that:
Milk
The best option is to place the tooth in a cup of milk. The calcium helps keep the tooth’s cells alive. Make sure the tooth is completely covered in milk.
Saline Solution
If you don’t have milk, you can use (saltwater) to store the tooth. This is better than letting it dry out or putting it in plain water.
Tooth Preservation Kit
Some pharmacies sell special kits made to preserve knocked-out teeth. These kits usually have a solution that helps keep the tooth alive. If you have one, it’s a good option.
Avoid Water
Don’t store the tooth in plain water, as it can damage the root and make replanting less likely to work.
Seek Dental Care Immediately
Once you’ve secured the tooth, it’s necessary to get your child to the pediatric dentist as quickly as possible. The best chance to save the tooth is within 30 minutes, but a dentist might still be able to help even if several hours have passed. Also, a tooth that’s been out for a longer time can still be saved with proper care.
If you can’t visit the dentist immediately, go to the nearest emergency care center. Many emergency rooms have a dentist on call or can help keep the tooth safe until you can see a dentist.
Final Thought
A knocked-out tooth can be a scary experience for parents and children, but knowing what to do can help improve the outcome. Acting quickly, properly storing the tooth, and getting dental care right away can increase the chances of saving the tooth and keeping your child’s smile healthy. Always reach out to your dentist for advice and follow-up care.
Looking for a pediatric dentist in the Federal Way? Get in touch with Federal Way Pediatric Dentistry. We are a team that makes sure that your child’s smile is always maintained. We offer pediatric sedation dentistry that helps children feel calm and relaxed during dental procedures. This way your child will be able to get their teeth checked while staying calm.
Moreover, we also offer pediatric cosmetic dentistry and Medicaid pediatric dentistry in the Federal Way. Contact us now to learn more!
Disclaimer- The information provided in this content is just for educational purposes and is written by a professional writer. Consult us to learn more about handling knocked-out teeth in children.
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