Tooth injuries are a common occurrence with children. Toddlers who are unsteady on their feet typically damage their teeth from falls. Older children are more prone to tooth injuries from sports. The pediatric dentistry experts at Pediatric Dental Group know exactly what to do in cases like this. Serving Honolulu patients since 1966, this trusted dentistry clinic provides all aspects of dental care to babies and kids, including dental exams and teeth cleaning for babies. Here, they share their best advice on how to care for common childhood tooth injuries.

Injured Baby Teeth or Gums

• If the gums are bleeding, apply pressure to the area with cold, wet gauze. Ask your child to bite down on the gauze, if possible.
• Hold an ice pack wrapped in a washcloth to the cheek, or offer a popsicle to suck on, which helps to minimize swelling.
• Administer a pain reliever, such as Ibuprofen or Acetaminophen.
• Be on alert for swollen gums, pain, fever or discoloration of the tooth.
• Call your pediatric dentistry office 

Chipped or broken permanent tooth

• Collect all pieces of the tooth.
• Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water.
• Call your dentist for kids for an urgent visit.

Permanent tooth is knocked out

• Locate the tooth. Call the dentist or visit the emergency room immediately.
• Hold the tooth by the crown, or top part of the tooth. Avoid touching the root.
• Immerse the tooth in a container of milk, or sterile salt solution, but never store the tooth in tap water.
• Gently place the tooth back in the socket without touching the root as (s)he bites down on gauze.

If you stay calm and follow the advice of this trusted pediatric dentistry, chances are, your child’s tooth will be just fine. Call (808) 593-8828 to schedule a visit to Pediatric Dental Group in Honolulu, or explore their website to learn more about their dental care services for babies and children.