by Dr.Debi
First: Call 911 if your child has lost consciousness. 
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Knocked-out teeth can be re-implanted in many cases. A permanent tooth that is re-implanted within 30 minutes has the highest chance of success.
Here are some tips:
1) Touch only the crown of the tooth. Do NOT touch the root. Do NOT rinse or wipe the tooth off.
2) If possible, push the tooth back into the socket. Have the child bite on a wet washcloth to control any bleeding.
3) If unable to replant the tooth, store it in a glass of milk. If no milk is available, wrap it in a wet paper towel. You can also store the tooth in your child’s mouth if you think they will not swallow it.
4) Contact your dentist or go to your local hospital immediately.
5) Do not give the child any medication for pain just in case they suffered head trauma.
Prevention is the best key. When playing contact sports (football, basketball, and even baseball) wear a mouthguard!
Mouthguards have been proven to help cushion the teeth and jaws to help avoid concussions. A mouthguard can save your teeth…and your life!
Dental Emergencies
by Dr.Debi
Test your knowledge of proper toddler dental care…
Does your child use a bottle? Try to wean them from the bottle by 12-14 months of age to avoid pooling of milk and juice around the teeth.
Are they still on formula? Use tap water or bottled water with fluoride to mix the powered formula.
Do they take asthma or allergy medicine? Allergy medications can dry the mouth increasing chances for cavities. Albuterol should be inhaled using a ‘spacer’ if possible
Do you put your child down to sleep with a bottle? Wean them off milk/juice by adding more water to the bottle until water is the only thing offered before naps/bedtime. Going to sleep with milk or juice in a bottle leads to the breakdown and decay of the front baby teeth. (Baby Bottle Decay)
Do they use a ‘sippy cup?’ Try to transition to an open cup that isn’t easily carried around all day. Constant ‘sipping’ causes cavities.
Is your child experiencing ‘teeth pain?’ Place a clean wet washcloth I the freezer for 1-2 hours then let child gnaw on the cloth. It will soothe the swollen gums and clean the teeth.
Do you brush your child’s teeth every morning and night? It is helpful to wipe the baby’s gums/teeth with a clean wet washcloth after feedings. I advise brushing your child’s teeth until they are at least five years old. Watch them do it then tell them you are going to check the teeth. Brush their teeth in the bathtub- kids love spitting their toothpaste in the bath water.
Do they snack all day? Try to limit snacks to avoid ‘grazing’ all day – this leads to cavities and increased body weight.
Do they like to chew gum? Sugar-free gum will help fight cavities! Make sure to avoid more than three pieces a day to avoid tummy upset.
Do they suck their thumb, finger or pacifier? Try to discourage this habit after the third birthday because they could develop an ‘openbite’ and require braces later in life.
Start your toddler out right for a lifetime of great dental health!
Toddler Dental Care
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