It’s a hard knock life: Don’t panic with a knocked-out tooth

a mouth guard can prevent missing teeth, a fractured jaw or even a concussion

Kid’s sports have become a way of life for many families.

While it keeps your kiddos healthy and on-the-go, the more they play, the higher risk they have for injury. One of the most common injuries is a knocked-out tooth.

If your child is suddenly holding a tooth in their hand, do you know what to do?

Your first reaction may be to panic, but your best advice is to remain calm and determine whether it is a permanent or baby tooth so you know the best way to handle the situation.

A knocked out tooth is a manageable emergency for parents who know what to do.

What if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

Losing baby teeth is a normal part of life, but when an accident or injury knocks a baby tooth out early, it can cause problems. Baby teeth forced into the gum can damage the permanent teeth beneath or losing a tooth prematurely can cause surrounding teeth to move or crowd into the vacant spot. If there’s not enough space for the permanent tooth, crooked teeth and eating problems can result. It’s important to visit the dentist as soon as possible so they can determine if a space maintainer is needed to keep the area open prior to the permanent tooth erupting.

What if a baby tooth is just knocked loose?

If a tooth is knocked loose, call your dentist for advice on how to proceed. A soft diet for the next few days will help allow the tooth to re-implant into the jawbone. Your dentist might want to do an x-ray to determine whether a nerve or secondary tooth may be damaged.

February is National Children’s Dental Health Month, so it’s the perfect time to brush up on good oral hygiene and make sure your kids have a firm foundation for healthy teeth well into adulthood.

Dr. Potts is a gentle, caring dentist uses the most advanced materials and procedures available. He practices comfortable, health-centered dentistry, with a strong emphasis on getting to know each patient. In addition technical proficiency, Dr. Potts is a careful listener. He makes sure to understand what you want and will explain beforehand what treatment is best for your individual needs, along with all options available to you.