Dental Questions and Answers

When your child needs emergency dental care, our office is always ready to help.

1. What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
2. What should I do if my child's adult tooth is knocked out?
3. What do I do for a chipped or broken tooth?
4. What can I do for my child's toothache?
5. What if I suspect a broken jaw?
6. How can I prevent dental injuries?

1. What should I do if my child's baby tooth is knocked out?
See Dr. Keesee or Abang as soon as possible. DO NOT REPLANT THE TOOTH.

Back To Top

2. What should I do if my child's adult tooth is knocked out?
Option 1: Locate the tooth and rinse it gently in cool water only (DO NOT SCRUB IT). DO NOT hold the tooth by its roots. If possible, replace the tooth in it's socket and hold it with a clean gauze or cloth (best option) ... or ...
Option 2: store the tooth in a clean container with milk ... or ...
Option 3: store the tooth in a clean container of water or saline water.

The tooth needs to be stabilized by Dr. Keesee or Abang as soon as possible. If the tooth is replanted and stabilized within 30 minutes the survival rate of the tooth is 90 percent, 30-60 minutes the survival rate is 75 percent.

Back To Top

3. What do I do for a chipped or broken tooth?
Rinse the mouth with clean cool water. Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean cloth. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress. Call our office as soon as possible.

Back To Top

4. What can I do for my child's toothache?
Call your dentist. DO NOT put heat or aspirin on the tooth. Give your child children's tylenol for pain and see Dr. Keesee or Abang as soon as possible.

Back To Top

5. What if I suspect a broken jaw?
Do not move the jaw. Secure the jaw in place by tying a handkerchief or jaw around the jaw and over the top of the head. Go to Kosair Children's Hospital or call our office.

Back To Top

6. How can I prevent dental injuries?
First, reduce oral injuries in sports by wearing a mouth guard. Second, always use a car seat or a seat belt for your child in the car. Third, child proof your home. Fourth, your child should have routine dental visits with our office every six months.

For additional information visit the AAPD website or contact our office.