Permanent Tooth Injuries

First, try to control any bleeding. You can do this by having the child bite down on some clean gauze and applying pressure to the gum.

If your child has the tooth, do not touch the tooth’s roots.  If you do not have the tooth – try to find it!  Rinse the tooth with water only and don’t clean it with anything else.

If it is a baby tooth, you do not need to reinsert the tooth.  You should seek urgent dental care.

If it is a permanent tooth, this is more serious with longer-term consequences. 

For a permanent tooth, try to reinsert the tooth back into the socket.  Have your child bit down on some gauze or a towel to stabilize the tooth in the correct place. 

Call your child’s dentist to be seen and let them know you have a dental emergency.  For the best outcome, your child should be seen within 1 hour

If placing the tooth back into the socket does not work, you can transport the tooth safely. Here’s how:

1. Handle the Tooth with Care: Be very gentle when picking up the tooth. Hold it by the crown (the part that’s usually visible in the mouth) and avoid touching the roots.

2. Rinse with Water: If the tooth is dirty, you can rinse it with clean water, but do not scrub or use any cleaning agents. Remember, handling it gently is crucial.

3. Store Properly: The best way to transport the tooth is to keep it moist. You can place it in a cup of milk, your child’s saliva (if they are old enough not to swallow it), or even a special tooth-saving solution available at most drugstores. Keeping the tooth moist is crucial to preserving its viability.

Remember, a knocked-out permanent tooth can be a distressing situation, but quick and careful action can make a significant difference in the outcome. Stay calm, follow these steps, and prioritize getting professional dental care as soon as possible.

See the link from uptodate for full information on dental injuries and management.