When a child's tooth breaks, panic can quickly set into a parent. A screaming child combined with blood can be a frightening situation. In most cases, a broken or knocked out tooth can be easily remedied -- and some simple first aid can quickly bring the situation under control.
How it Happens
Teeth can be broken or knocked completely out due to a hard fall. An injury related to playing sports, or chomping down on a hard piece of food can also break a child's tooth. Injuries related to getting into a fight or a car accident may also cause damage to teeth.
Baby Teeth
While losing a baby tooth is less serious than a permanent one --eventually a new tooth will take it's place -- a broken or knocked-out baby tooth still warrants an emergency trip to the dentist, according to the Baby Center. A broken, loose or impacted tooth may need to be removed, and treatment may be needed if a nerve is exposed. Save the tooth or broken part of the tooth and bring it with you to the dentist. A minor chip, with no other obvious symptoms or injury, should still be seen by a dentist but does not require an emergency visit.
Permanent Teeth
If your child's permanent tooth is broken, find the tooth or broken part of the tooth and place it in a container with some milk or a little saliva, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine. If the tooth is knocked out, try to gently place it back inside the socket if you can. Bring the tooth with you to the dentist.
First Aid
To ease pain, gently place a cold compress against the gums and mouth. If the mouth is bleeding, hold gauze against the wound with gentle pressure. Head immediately to your dentist for an evaluation and possible treatment to try to replace the broken permanent tooth.
Complications
When a tooth breaks, nerve tissue may be exposed. This can cause significant pain, but also increase the risk of developing an abscess or infection. Always seek prompt dental treatment for a broken, knocked-out, cracked or impacted tooth. If a permanent tooth is chipped or cracked without any other symptoms or injuries, schedule a non-emergency dental appointment for your child, advises the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
