TOOTH INJURY

Injury Definition

  • Injury to a tooth.

Types of Tooth Injuries

  • Loosened tooth - may bleed a little from the gums.
  • Displaced tooth (usually pushed inward).
  • Chipped or fractured tooth.  
  • Avulsed (knocked out) tooth - a dental emergency for permanent teeth.

WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TOOTH INJURY

Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If:

  • You think your child has a serious injury.
  • Permanent tooth knocked out. (Reason: needs reimplantation ASAP; 2 hours is the deadline for tooth survival.)  
  • First Aid Advice: transport the tooth in some Milk or (milk is the best).  If over 30 minutes away, try to replace the tooth in the socket before coming in.
  • Permanent 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 position.
  • Tooth that's pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite.
  • Severe pain.  
  • Age less than 1 year old.

Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If

  • You think your child needs to be seen.
  • Baby tooth knocked out by injury. (Reason: can't be reimplanted but dentist will check for damage to permanent tooth.)
  • Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position.
  • Can see a chip or fracture line in the tooth.
  • Tooth sensitive to cold fluids.  
  • Tooth feels very loose when you try to move it.

Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If:

  • You have other questions or concerns.

Parent Care at Home If

  • Minor tooth injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen.
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HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD DENTAL INJURIES

  1. Local Cold:  For pain, apply a piece of ice or a Popsicle to the injured gum area for 20 minutes.
  2. Pain Medicine:  If it still hurts, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen.
  3. Soft Diet:  For any loose teeth, offer a soft diet for 3 days. By then, it should be tightened up.
  4. Call Your Dentist If:
    • Pain becomes severe.
    • Tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold fluids.
    • Tooth becomes a darker color.
    • Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Dentist" symptoms.
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Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information.

Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2004 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP

Reviewed 8/2004

Revised 7/2004

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