Accidents happen. Unfortunately, children have mishaps, and often these accidents can injure teeth or involve facial or head areas. Toddlers, children playing sports or  engaging in "horseplay", can suddenly and unexpectedly incur a mouth, facial, or head injury. Following are some suggestions for handling these injuries and tips for immediate treatment that can be instrumental in saving your children's teeth in the event an injury occurs. We suggest you print this, and keep it handy, just in case.

What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?

Contact our surgery as soon as possible. Baby teeth are usually not put back into the mouth but the child should be seen by the dentist to determine if any roots remain or other teeth have been injured.

What should I do if my child's permanent tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water. Do NOT scrub it or clean it with soap; just rinse with water! If possible, replace the tooth in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a wash cloth. If you can't put the tooth back into the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk, saliva, or water. Get to the dental surgery immediately. The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

If there is more severe damage, especially to the head, then you must go to the Emergency Department of your nearest hospital. Keep you child warm and reassure. Sometimes children can go into shock and this must be treated before any dental problems.