Tooth Injury
Definition
- Injury to a tooth
Call or Return If
- Pain becomes severe
- Cold fluids cause tooth pain
- You think your child needs to be seen
- Your child becomes worse
- Note: If your child has a dentist, call them instead of your doctor.
About This Topic
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
Symptoms
- The main symptom is pain.
- Minor bleeding from the gums may occur.
Prevention
- Careful adult supervision of young children
- Education of older children about high risk behaviors
After Care Advice
Cold:
- For pain, put a piece of ice or a popsicle on the injured gum.
- Another option: put a cold pack on the cheek.
- Do this for 20 minutes.
Pain Medicine:
- To help with the pain, give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Use as needed.
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.
Author: Barton Schmitt MD, FAAP Copyright
Disclaimer: This health information is for educational purposes only. You the reader assume full responsibility for how you choose to use it.
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