It’s a beautiful day and you’re taking your child out for their first day of rollerblading. You’ve purchased all the necessary protection for them: kneepads, a helmet, elbow pads, truly the works. Unfortunately, when your child hits a pebble in the driveway, you realize there was one piece of gear they could have used: a mouthguard. Now they’re front tooth is knocked out.
Does this situation sound familiar? If so, you should keep these tips in mind from your dentist in Westminster. It can mean the difference between saving your child’s tooth and having to pay for partial dentures or crowns to save their smile.
What to Do If a Tooth is Knocked Out
One of the most common emergencies your dentist in Westminster treats is a knocked-out tooth. Compared to other dental issues, a knocked-out tooth is more severe because time plays a major factor in treatment. The moment you find the tooth, get to a water source and rinse the crown.
The root, or the bottom part of the tooth, should not be touched whatsoever.
When a tooth is knocked out, it’s common for gum tissue to still be attached. The longer you keep this tissue moist, the higher chance you have of salvaging it. If the tooth is dry for more than 15 minutes, the chances of successful reimplantation are extremely low.
How Milk Can Preserve a Tooth
After rinsing the tooth, the best next step is to attempt to place the tooth back into the socket. This will keep the roots preserved until you make it to your dentist. However, it’s understandable if you’re too squeamish to place it yourself or you’re afraid you’ll do it incorrectly. If so, place the tooth in a small container of cow’s milk instead.
Any type of milk will work, so don’t rush to the store fearing you don’t have the right kind. The milk helps the tooth’s roots maintain a correct fluid balance, making it last longer. This method also works for both baby teeth and permanent teeth and will keep teeth preserved for up to an hour if placed within five minutes of it being knocked out.
If Milk is Not Available
If you don’t have any milk in the house and you’re not confident enough to place it back into the socket yourself, the next best thing is to keep the tooth in between the cheek and gum. This will work to preserve the tooth and keep it moist.
Make sure to never place a knocked-out tooth into water. Instead of preserving the tooth, it will cause the roots to swell up and die. If your dentist is not available within the next hour, visit the emergency room instead.
If you or a loved one is experiencing a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact your emergency dentist in Westminster as soon as possible.
About the Author
Dr. Terry Batliner understands that dental emergencies happen at the least convenient times. That’s why when you call his office, he can schedule an emergency appointment for you right away. If you’re experiencing a dental emergency and need immediate relief, you can contact him at (303) 460-9000 or visit his website to treat your symptoms.