When a Baby Loses Tooth
A dislodged baby tooth can't be
replaced and does not need to
be put back in. On the other hand, a permanent tooth, which is more sharply
defined than a baby tooth, often can be saved if prompt action is taken and the
tooth is handled carefully. A permanent tooth has the best chance of survival
if replaced within 30 minutes.
When a Baby or Toddler
Injures Gums or Teeth
·
If there's bleeding, put cold water on a piece of gauze and apply
pressure to the site.
·
To reduce swelling, offer the child an ice pop to suck.
·
Call a dentist. He or she will probably want to see the child to
assess the need for realignment or removal of a very loose tooth. If the child
is very young, the dentist might recommend a spacer to keep the rest of the
teeth in place until the permanent tooth appears.
·
Over the following week, watch for signs of an abscess such as
fever and swollen, tender gums next to the injury site.
If a Permanent Tooth is
Chipped or Broken
·
Rinse the damaged area of the mouth with warm water.
·
Give the child a cold compress to hold on the injured tooth.
·
See a dentist right away.
If a Permanent Tooth is
Knocked Out
·
Hold the tooth by the crown (the part above the gumline), not the root.
·
Rinse the tooth immediately with saline solution or milk. (Tap
water should be used only as a last resort; it contains chlorine, which may
damage the root.) Do not scrub the tooth.
·
The best place to preserve the tooth on the way to the dentist is
in its socket. If your child is old enough and mature enough not to swallow it,
replace it gently, then have the child bite down on a gauze pad to keep it in
place.
·
If the tooth can't be reinserted, put it in milk — a good
preservative because its chemical makeup is compatible with teeth. If milk
isn't available, place it inside your own mouth, between your cheek and lower
gum.
·
Give the child a gauze pad or handkerchief to bite down on, which
will help lessen bleeding and ease the pain.
·
See a dentist right away or visit a local children's hospital —
most also have dental services for children.
Caring for your child's teeth is a very important role. Teaching oral hygiene at an early age will keep their teeth healthy. Help them keep that beautiful white smile.
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