How to Handle a Tooth Injury

Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove

Garden City:516-222-5100

Glen Cove: 516-759-7000

www.PediatricDentistryofGardenCity.com

Prevention is always the best way to keep teeth healthy.  However, we understand that accidents happen.  The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry offers a few simple tips to help parents and caretakers prepare for common childhood tooth injuries.

Common Tooth Injuries:

·        Baby Tooth is Knocked Out – Quick action can reduce pain and prevent infection.  Rinse your child’s mouth with water, apply a cold compress to reduce swelling, and call your pediatric dentist.  Don’t waste time looking for the tooth, instead just comfort your child. Baby teeth will not be replanted. 

·        Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out – Find the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water.  Place it back in the socket and hold it there with a piece of clean gauze or a wash cloth until you can get to the dentist.  If you can’t put the tooth back in, place it in a clean container with cold milk.  Don’t put the tooth in water!

·        Chipped Tooth – Have your child rinse their mouth with cold water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.  If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it to the dentist with you.

We remind parents to always take steps to prevent childhood tooth injury.  If your child participates in an activity or sport that puts their smile at risk, make sure that they are wearing a mouth guard.  Contact Pediatric Dentistry of Garden City & Glen Cove for more tips on how to prevent dental emergencies, as well as care for teeth when they need it most.  Call 516-222-5100 to contact our Garden City office or 516-759-7000 to contact our Glen Cove office.