What are teeth injuries?
The most common injury is when a tooth is jarred or slightly
loosened. Often, the only noticeable injury is bleeding
from the gums. These minor injuries heal in 3 days.
The next most common injury is tooth displacement (usually
pushed inward). These may need repositioning and
stabilizing.
Chipped (or fractured) teeth need to be seen by a dentist.
Permanent teeth that are knocked out are an emergency. Baby
teeth that are knocked out can't be reimplanted but the
underlying teeth need to be checked for damage.
What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?
Permanent (second) teeth need to be returned to their
sockets and the gumline as soon as possible. Best results
occur if a permanent tooth is reimplanted within 15 minutes;
after 2 hours it can't be reimplanted. Ideally the tooth
should be returned to the socket at the scene of the
accident.
Rinse off the tooth with saliva or water.
Replace it in the socket facing the correct way.
Press down on the tooth with your thumb until the crown
is level with the adjacent tooth.
Have your child bite down on a wad of cloth to keep the
tooth in position until you can reach your dentist.
How can I take care of my child?
Put a piece of ice or a Popsicle on the injured gum area
unless it increases the pain. If it still hurts, give your
child some acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil). If
any teeth are loose, put your child on a soft diet for 3
days.
When should I call my child's dentist?
Call IMMEDIATELY if:
A large piece of tooth has been chipped off.
A red dot is visible inside a fracture.
A tooth is severely pushed out of its normal position.
Call during office hours if:
A small piece of tooth has been chipped off.
A tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position.
The tooth is sensitive to cold fluids.
You have other concerns or questions.
