Sunday, January 13, 2008

Dental Care - Tips If Teeth Are Knocked Out

If permanent teeth are knocked out, there is an excellent chance that they will survive if they are immediately placed back in the tooth socket and dental advice is sought straight away. Every minute the tooth is out of the socket, the less chance it has of surviving.

First aid for permanent teeth
If your child has a permanent tooth knocked out:

  • Handle the tooth by the crown not the root.
  • Gently rinse the tooth in milk or normal saline solution if it has debris on it. Rinse for a few seconds only.
  • Replace the tooth in its socket, if the person is conscious - make sure it is facing the right way around.
  • Hold the tooth in place with some foil or by getting the child to gently bite on a handkerchief.
  • Contact your dentist immediately.

If you can’t put the tooth in its socket
If you can’t replace the tooth:

  • Wrap it in glad wrap or store it in milk or normal saline solution.
  • Contact your dentist immediately.

What not to do
Do not try and clean the tooth with vigorous scrubbing or cleaning agents.

Why you shouldn’t replace milk teeth
You should not attempt to put a milk tooth back in its socket because:

  • It may fuse to the socket, which leads to difficulties when it is time for the tooth to be shed.
  • It may damage the permanent tooth underneath the socket.

Where to get help

  • Your dentist or dental therapist.

Things to remember

  • Permanent teeth should be replaced in the socket as soon as possible.
  • Every minute counts when trying to save a permanent tooth.
  • Always seek immediate advice from your dentist.
  • Milk teeth should not be put back in their socket.

Article source: http://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/

1 comment:

Sara said...

Thanks for share useful tips.
Surrey Dentist