It’s a Hard Knock Life: Dealing with Little Hero’s Loose Tooth

As parents, it is easy to admit that kids are accident prone. Every day is an adventure to them, and though most slips and falls are no big deal, some may result in serious harm. One thing to watch out for in the case of an accident is oral injury. Children are more susceptible to knocking a tooth loose as their primary teeth start to fall out while permanent teeth make their way in. It is important to recognize what counts as a real emergency that warrants a dentist visit and what is simply a child’s body taking the natural course of action. Read on so you know exactly what to do during a dental emergency involving your child growing teeth.

At Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry, our team of doctors can be your go-to for advice and treatment for your child’s loose teeth. We’ve got heroic treatment options ranging from routine care to care for children with special needs.  We even offer outpatient hospital services, so you can rest assured that your child is in good hands. Visit us at any one of our locations in Laredo, Mission, and San Juan.

Handling a Loose Tooth

What to do in the case of a loose tooth is a question you should ask your pediatric dentist early on. There are a number of reasons why your baby’s tooth may be loose. Rather than wait for it to fall off or pull it out yourself, consider why his or her tooth is loose to begin with. After all, a loose baby tooth does not always mean the permanent tooth is coming in.

In the case of a naturally loose tooth, kids usually lose primary teeth in the same order they came in. Click To Tweet

As a rule of thumb, the front teeth will fall off first. Permanent teeth come in at around six to seven years of age. In preparation for the incoming adult teeth, the roots of your baby’s teeth start to dissolve until they loosen. The baby tooth will eventually fall off with a little bit of blood and no pain.

If your little one’s tooth is not ready to come out naturally, his or her roots may get sensitive, painful, and bloody.
You should contact your dentist if you feel your baby’s tooth is loose for other reasons, like an injury to the mouth, or if his or her tooth has fallen unexpectedly. Click To Tweet

When your little hero has lost a tooth…

A primary  tooth may be completely knocked out during an injury, and it’s really no big deal. Your child might have a temporary lisp, but the permanent tooth should arrivein no time. If the injury results in some complications that you feel should be checked, visit your dentist.

When a permanent tooth is lost, it is important to schedule an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible. A successful re-implantation can be completed within 30 minutes of an accident. Just make sure to recover the tooth, rinse it to maintain it clean, and keep it moist until it’s in your dentist’s hands.

When your little hero hits his/her mouth…

If your child has an accident involving a hit to the face or mouth, your first instinct should be to inspect his or her mouth to assess the degree of injury. When the injury is isolated to a loose or lost tooth, your best bet is to visit your pediatric dentist. A trip to the emergency room or family physician may be needed if your child has suffered an injury that results in complications beyond a fallen tooth. The doctor will likely check your little one’s mouth and gums.

Let Nature Takes Its Course

Let the tooth fall out naturally if both you and your little hero can handle the trouble. It may be more comfortable to maintain a soft diet for a few days until the tooth falls off completely. This will minimize the pain and soreness that typically result during the loss of a tooth.

Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry

As your little hero grows, so do the complications that can result in their dental health. That’s what Little Heroes Pediatric Dentistry is here for. Our team of specialists are prepared to answer all your questions and concerns regarding your child’s developing mouth and gums. Schedule an appointment with us to make sure your child has access to a local pediatric dentist who knows how to care for his or her dental needs.