1. What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket, as this could damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Gently rinse your child’s mouth, apply light pressure with clean gauze if there is bleeding, and contact your child’s dentist as soon as possible.
2. What should I do if my child knocks out a permanent tooth?
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Pick up the tooth by the crown (the white part), not the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it without scrubbing. If possible, place it back into the socket. If you cannot, keep the tooth moist in milk or an appropriate tooth-preservation solution and seek emergency dental care immediately. The sooner the tooth is treated, the better the chance of saving it.
3. What should I do if my child chips or breaks a tooth?
Have your child rinse with water and use a cold compress on the outside of the face if there is swelling. If you can find the broken piece, keep it moist and bring it with you. Contact your child’s dentist promptly, even if your child is not in pain, because the damage may be deeper than it appears.
4. What should I do if my child has a toothache?
Have your child gently rinse with warm water and carefully floss around the painful tooth to remove any trapped food. Do not place aspirin directly on the tooth or gums. Contact your child’s dentist to determine the cause. If there is significant facial swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, fever with worsening swelling, or your child appears seriously ill, seek urgent medical care.
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