What To Do If Your Child Has A Tooth Knocked Out Playing Sports: A Guide For Parents

If you're like most parents, you encourage your child to engage in a variety of activities, including sports — and this means a small chance that your child may get a tooth knocked out. Although this can be stressful and chaotic for both you and your child, having a plan in action in place helps minimize anxiety and increases the chances of the tooth being saved. Here's what you need to know:

Remain Calm and Reassure Your Child

First and foremost, it is essential to remain calm and reassure your child that everything will be okay. A knocked-out tooth can be a scary and painful experience, but with the right actions, you can ensure that your child receives the appropriate care and that the tooth has the best chance of being saved.

Locate and Preserve the Knocked-Out Tooth

The first step is to locate the knocked-out tooth. If possible, try to find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the top part of the tooth that is visible in the mouth). Be sure not to touch the root of the tooth, as this can damage the cells needed to reattach the tooth. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with water, being careful not to scrub or remove any tissue fragments.

Next, it is essential to keep the tooth moist. The best way to do this is to place the tooth in a container of milk or saliva. If neither of these is available, you can also place the tooth in a cup of water or have your child hold it in their mouth next to their cheek (being careful not to swallow it).

Seek Emergency Dental Care

After securing the tooth, it is time to seek professional medical care. Time is of the essence when it comes to reattaching a knocked-out tooth, so it is important to act quickly. Contact your child's dentist or an emergency dentist right away and let them know what has happened. They will likely ask you to bring your child in for an emergency appointment as soon as possible.

Treatment Options for a Knocked-Out Tooth

Once you arrive at the dental office, the dentist will examine your child's mouth and determine the best course of action. In some cases, the tooth can be reinserted into the socket and secured with a splint or wire. In other cases, the tooth may need to be replaced with a dental implant or bridge.

It is important to note that not all knocked-out teeth can be saved, especially if they are not properly cared for immediately after the injury. However, even if the tooth cannot be saved, there are still options available to replace the missing tooth, such as dental implants, bridges, or dentures.

To learn more, contact an emergency family dentist in your area.