Act Quickly: Save That Tooth!
Your 7-year-old daughter is riding her bicycle and wearing her helmet. She's the picture of safety, right? Seconds later, she comes through the door crying. You see a gaping hole formerly occupied by one of her permanent teeth. What do you do?
Timing is critical
Comfort your daughter, but move quickly. Time is a critical factor in saving the tooth, according to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry.
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Find the tooth. If the tooth fell out, track it down.
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Treat it with care. When you find the tooth, make sure you hold it by the crown. That's the enamel-covered part of the tooth above the gum line.
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Rinse it, don't scrub it. Use cool water.
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Place it firmly into the socket if you can. The best place for the tooth is the socket. The tooth doesn't have to be sterile, just clean and free of obvious dirt, for healing and reattachment to begin without infection.
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If your child's mouth is injured and you can't put the tooth back, or you just don't feel comfortable doing it yourself, you have some time. Staying calm and acting decisively are the most important things you can do for your child and yourself. Simply place the tooth in a cup of milk or saline (one teaspoon of table salt in a cup of cool water). Or, you can use cool water.
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Whether you place the tooth back in the socket yourself or are preserving the tooth, immediately call your dentist or the nearest hospital emergency room that has a dental service. If you don't know whom to reach, call your local dental society for an emergency number and/or a place to take your child.
On a positive note, a child's tooth is more likely than an adult's to replant solidly.
How to avoid tooth loss
Many injuries occur during sports, and not just football or hockey. Tooth loss occurs in basketball, softball, and baseball, and even while riding a bicycle. The American Dental Association recommends the use of a mouth protector during any activity that may result in a blow to the face or the mouth.