Tips to Save a Tooth That is Knocked Out

Parents are increasingly conscientious and aware of their role in their children's dental health. For example, they are taking more measures to teach them proper tooth care from a very young age. In addition, many understand that preventative dental health care is the best way to give their kids a lifetime of good dental health. Nonetheless, it is still possible for children's teeth to undergo issues as they grow. Here are a few common ones and how to handle them:

Cavities and Decay

Children love sweets, but they might dislike cleaning their teeth after they eat them. Eating candy, ice cream, cake, and chocolate without brushing their teeth afterward leads to bacteria flourishing in the mouth. With time, the plaque starts to release acidic substances that wear through the fragile enamel on the children's teeth. If you do not take the recommended measures, the decay gets to the dentin and the pulp cavity. This can be painful and even lead to complete tooth loss. In such a case, your child might be fortunate to only lose their milk teeth. However, it is best to prevent cavities altogether and get a dentist involved soon after you notice that your child has them. Early intervention raises the chances of saving the tooth.

Accidents That Involve an Impact to the Face

Another way your child might get tooth damage is through an accident that impacts the face. Children love to play and aren't always careful about how they do it. Thus, it is not uncommon for a child to run into a wall, fall, or get hit by a ball or Frisbee during play. These accidents can knock out a tooth, crack it or form other dental weaknesses. In any case, you should contact a pediatric dentist immediately if your child suffers a dental emergency. If a tooth has been knocked out, you can preserve it in some milk and go to a dentist to have them put it back in its socket.

Tooth and Jaw Alignment Issues

Tooth and jaw alignment are other possible childhood dental problems. Unfortunately, a percentage of children grow up with poor orthodontia, and measures are only taken to correct it when their teeth have become set. Yet, the ideal time to rectify orthodontic issues is when the teeth are still young. Visit a pediatric dentist for a misalignment diagnosis and a recommendation on the best course of action.

A pediatric dentist can handle these common childhood dental issues. Contact one in your area and enable your child to enjoy a lifetime of beautiful and healthy teeth.