What do I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

I write a small weekly "Ask the Pros" colomn in a local Oakville paper: The Oakville Beaver. Recently someone asked what to do in case of a dental emergency where a tooth is knocked out:

Kids can find many ways to knock out teeth. Swimming pool accidents seem to be the biggest cause this time of year. Running on slippery, slick cement and ceramic pool surfaces sends many children headfirst into the ground, often causing chipped or displaced teeth. And diving into shallow waters and hitting the bottom can push a tooth up and can fracture the supporting bone.

First, if a tooth is loosened, push it gently back in to position and have the child bite down to keep it in position until you can see a dentist or go to hospital emergency room.  If a tooth does get knocked out, find the tooth and holding it not by the root but the part you normally see (the crown) rinse it and if you can, try to put the tooth back in the socket. If you can’t don’t let it dry out. Place the tooth in the mouth between the cheek and teeth to keep it moist until you see your dentist. If you cannot store it in the mouth or if you are worried your child may swallow the tooth, wrap it in clean gauze or a cloth and put it in milk. For the best chance of re-implanting the tooth in the socket successfully, you must see your dentist within 30 minutes. When a tooth is re-implanted, the dentist will then bond it to adjacent teeth to stabilize it. How long a re-implanted tooth lasts depends on its condition and how long it took to put back, but even a short time can make a worthwhile difference.

Have a safe, healthy summer!

Great things start with a warm healthy smile.