What to Do When Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth: Immediate Steps and Care Tips
If your child knocks out a tooth, it can be a scary and urgent situation. Here’s a guide on the immediate steps to ensure the best care for your child during this dental emergency.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Tooth is Knocked Out:
- Contact Your Pediatric Dentist Immediately
The first step is to call your child’s dentist immediately. Al Bahri Dental offers emergency care and will provide clear instructions on handling the situation until you can bring your child in. Quick action is crucial, especially for saving a permanent tooth. If you’re in Abu Dhabi, Pediatric Dentistry experts are prepared to handle such emergencies promptly. - Locate and Handle the Tooth Carefully
Find the knocked-out tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. Avoid touching the root, as it can damage the cells needed for successful reimplantation. - Clean the Tooth Gently
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it in a bowl of lukewarm water. Avoid using soap, scrubbing the tooth, or rinsing it under running water, as this could harm the delicate tissue on the root. - Attempt to Reinsert the Tooth
If your child can tolerate it, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Have your child bite down gently on a piece of gauze or a moist paper towel to keep the tooth in place. This helps stabilize the tooth until you get to the dentist. If the tooth doesn’t go in easily, do not force it. - Store the Tooth Properly if Reinsertion Fails
If you cannot reinsert the tooth, place it in a container with milk or your child’s saliva. This keeps the tooth moist and helps preserve the root cells, increasing the chance of successful reimplantation by the dentist.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care:
Immediate professional attention is needed if:
- The knocked-out tooth is a permanent one.
- The child experiences significant pain, swelling, or bleeding that does not stop after applying pressure.
- There are other visible signs of trauma, such as cuts inside the mouth or damage to other teeth.
Tips to Prevent Future Tooth Injuries:
- Encourage the Use of Mouthguards: If your child participates in sports or physical activities, a well-fitted mouthguard can help protect their teeth.
- Promote Safe Eating Habits: To minimize the risk of chipping or knocking out a tooth, discourage your child from biting hard objects like ice, candy, or pens.
- Maintain Regular Dental Checkups: Routine visits to the dentist, especially with experts in Pediatric Dentistry Abu Dhabi, can help identify potential issues early, reducing the risk of dental injuries.
Why Choose Pediatric Dentistry at Al Bahri Dental?
Al Bahri Dental focuses on providing comprehensive and compassionate care for children, especially during emergencies. Our experienced pediatric dentists in Abu Dhabi offer a child-friendly environment, aiming to make every dental visit as stress-free as possible. If your child experiences a dental emergency, we are here to help restore their smile and ensure optimal oral health.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment and get the expert care your child deserves.
