If a permanent tooth moves or becomes loose due to trauma, apply a cold compress to the face to prevent swelling and call our office right away. The tooth may move into the right position and stabilize on its own or may require a stent to keep it in place. Do not try to reposition the tooth yourself or put any pressure on the tooth to try to move it into the right position.

If your child’s tooth has been knocked out, the time is of the essence. Find the knocked out tooth and rinse it with cool water. Do not use soap or any other cleaning agents. Hold the tooth by the crown (the part that is normally visible when in place) and avoid scrubbing or unnecessarily handling the tooth. Examine the tooth to make sure it’s intact and, if possible, reinsert the intact tooth into the socket. If it’s not possible, place the tooth between the child’s lower back teeth and the cheek or carry it in a clean container with the child’s saliva and cold milk. Apply a cold pack to the face to reduce potential swelling. Call our office immediately or head to your nearest emergency room. If proper treatment is provided immediately, it may be possible to save your child’s tooth.

Unfortunately, primary (baby) teeth cannot be repositioned or re-implanted. If one of your child’s primary teeth has been pushed in or knocked out, you will want to schedule a visit to our practice as soon as possible so that your dentist can ensure that there are no fragments of tooth remaining in the bone and that no other teeth have been compromised.

Broken jaws are often accompanied by other facial and dental trauma as well as concussions and other potentially life-threatening issues. If you suspect your child has sustained a broken jaw, usually a result of a blow to the face, head to your nearest emergency room. Place a cold compress on the affected area to reduce swelling and pain.

You cannot always prevent dental emergencies or trauma, but you can take some steps to minimize the risk. Child-proof your house as soon as your baby starts to crawl to avoid falls. Don’t let your child chew on ice, popcorn kernels, sticky or hard candy, and other hard objects. Always use car seats for young children and require seatbelts for older children. Keep an eye on your child in the pool, even if he or she is a good swimmer, to make sure that there is no roughhousing in the pool and remind them that walking wrapped in a long towel is unsafe and can cause a child to trip and fall. If you have a young athlete growing up in your house, make sure that he or wears a sports guard for any contact sports. You will need to check the sports guard periodically to ensure a good fit. Ask us about creating a custom-fitted sports guard for your child. Some sports require stronger protection than others, and we can help you figure out the right guard for your young athlete. Finally, prevent toothaches with regular brushing, flossing, and regular visits to the dentist.