WHAT TO DO WHEN A BABY TOOTH IS KNOCKED OUT
It’s not uncommon for a pediatric dentist to receive a call from worried parents when their child has an accident and loses a baby tooth unexpectedly. Most often, there’s no reason for panic, but it’s important to see your dentist right away once you’ve ruled out any reason for a visit to the emergency room or pediatrician from the trauma. If your child’s mouth is bleeding from the lost tooth, have them bite down on a clean, wet, and cold washcloth as a compress where the tooth was lost to reduce swelling and stop any bleeding.
Once you’ve controlled the bleeding and calmed your little one down, find the tooth. When your child’s baby tooth is knocked out, do your best to locate the tooth and bring it with you to the pediatric dentist. Finding the tooth eliminates the risk of your child swallowing or choking on it. Your child’s pediatric dentist can also examine the tooth to determine nerve damage.
WHAT TO EXPECT FROM KITSAP KIDS’
Dr. Banks will assess your child’s tooth damage based on their age and which tooth was knocked out. If your child is older, Dr. Banks may recommend dental radiographs, or x-rays, to further determine any nerve damage and see if there was any impact on the unerupted permanent tooth. X-rays will also help Dr. Banks determine if any jaw damage occurred.
Most often, Dr. Banks will treat the situation as if the tooth fell out naturally while the permanent tooth develops. In some cases, like for a younger child or if a molar or incisor was knocked out, Dr. Banks may recommend a spacer. A spacer helps keep a space open for the permanent tooth when it’s ready to come in.
FINAL STEPS
The Tooth Fairy comes even for teeth that are not lost naturally! If you salvaged your child’s tooth, make sure to place it under their pillow. If you no longer have the tooth, it’s ok! We’ve found the Tooth Fairy is very understanding. A simple note addressed to her should do the trick!