We parents often are prepared for the occasional fall, scraped elbow, or bump to the head. What we often don’t anticipate is an injury to the mouth that leaves your child frustrated, bleeding, and with one less tooth. If you find yourself in the latter situation, it can be daunting and your initial reaction may be to panic. However, the good news is that if you remain calm, think quickly, and give us a call immediately, we will be able to see your child and give them the best possible care. This will ensure that they receive the best outcome possible in a timely manner.

Primary teeth (baby teeth) don’t have the long root that permanent teeth have. Because of this, they can be easy to knock out during a significant injury. At Wabash Valley Children’s Dentistry, we don’t replace primary teeth that have been knocked out, as this could potentially damage the permanent tooth developing underneath it. As a parent, your first priority when the tooth is knocked out should be to make sure there are no other injuries to your child and to stop the bleeding. Have your child bite down on a clean washcloth that has been soaked in cold water in the area of the lost tooth to reduce swelling and stop bleeding. 

Once you are able to assess the situation, call our office. We may have your child come in to look at other teeth that may have been damaged or look at any injuries to the gum or lip area. 

A traumatic injury is more complex when a permanent tooth has been knocked out. However, it is still important to remain calm and assess the situation. Once you have done this, take the following steps:

• When a permanent tooth is lost, the first priority is placing it back in the socket if possible. We advise picking the tooth up by the crown (the part of the tooth that you see in the mouth), rather than the root. If the crown has become dirty, gently rinse it with water. Do not whip the tooth excessively. After you have done this, carefully push it back into the socket if possible. Help your child bite on a piece of paper towel or a washcloth in order to help hold the tooth in place until they can see someone from our office. 

If you are unable to reimplant the tooth immediately, place the tooth in a cup of cold milk (not water) and contact our office as soon as possible to schedule an emergency visit. You may also insert an over-the-counter product that is specially designed to preserve a tooth that has been knocked out, if you have it. Moisture helps prevent the tooth’s roots from drying out. The sooner you can get to our office, the better, as the chances of saving the tooth decline the longer it is out of socket.

• Your child can bite on a cold washcloth to help control any swelling or bleeding that has occured from the trauma.
• Call our office immediately to let us know the status of the injury so that we can schedule an emergency visit. 

If your child has a dental emergency, time is of the essence. Call us immediately at 812-234-5437 so we can make sure your child is taken care of as soon as possible!