Tooth Injury

This Care Guide Covers:

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First Aid - Tooth - Transport in Milk	First Aid - Tooth - Knocked Out
First Aid - Tooth - Transport in Saliva

When to Call Your Doctor

	Call Your Dentist or Doctor Now (night or day) If
	You think your child has a serious injury Adult tooth knocked out. (Reason: Needs to be put back within 2 hours to survive) --See FIRST AID. Adult tooth is almost falling out Baby tooth is almost falling out Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal place Tooth that's pushed out of its normal place makes it hard to chew Pain is SEVERE and not better 2 hours after taking pain medicine Age less than 1 year old You think your child needs to be seen urgently
	Call Your Dentist Within 24 Hours (between 9 am and 4 pm) If
	You think your child needs to be seen, but not urgently Baby tooth knocked out by injury. (Reason: Can't be put back. But, need to check for damage to adult tooth inside the gum.) Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal place Chip or crack in the tooth Tooth feels very loose when you try to move it
	Call Your Dentist During Weekday Office Hours If
	Cold fluids cause tooth pain Tooth turns a darker color You have other questions or concerns
	Parent Care at Home If
	Minor tooth injury

Causes & Health Information

Types of Tooth Injuries

Loosened tooth - May bleed a little from the gums. Usually tightens up on its own.
Displaced tooth (usually pushed inward)
Chipped or fractured tooth
Avulsed (knocked out) tooth - a dental emergency for permanent teeth

CARE ADVICE FOR MINOR DENTAL INJURIES

Cold:
- For pain, put a piece of ice or a popsicle on the injured gum.
- Do this for 20 minutes.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed. See Dose Table.
Soft Diet:
- For any loose teeth, offer a soft diet.
- Avoid foods that need much chewing.
- You can go back to a normal diet after 3 days. By then, the tooth should be tightened up.
What to Expect:
- Tooth pain most often goes away in 2 or 3 days.
Call Your Dentist If:
- Pain becomes severe
- Cold fluids cause tooth pain
- Tooth turns a darker color
- Your child becomes worse

And remember, contact your doctor if your child develops any of the "Call Your Doctor" symptoms.

Tooth Injury
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