What to Do When Your Toddler Knocks a Tooth Loose

Oh no, your little one took a tumble and now there’s a wobbly tooth situation—it happens! When toddlers are involved, minor accidents are pretty much part of the daily routine, but a loose tooth can turn an ordinary day into a nerve-wracking one. At Pediatric Dental Team in Philadelphia, we understand how stressful dental emergencies can be for both parents and children. Here’s a straightforward guide on what to do if your toddler knocks a tooth loose.

Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First things first, take a deep breath. Your toddler will likely look to you to gauge how they should react. If you remain calm, it’ll help soothe their nerves too. Gently assess whether the loose tooth is a baby tooth (which it likely is, considering their age). It’s also important to check for other injuries around the mouth or signs of distress.

Check the Severity

Take a look at how loose the tooth is. If it’s slightly wobbly, there’s a good chance it can be left alone to either tighten back up or fall out naturally. However, if it’s very loose or hanging, there are a few steps you should take:

• Avoid Touching the Tooth: Encourage your child not to wiggle the tooth with their tongue or fingers. This can be a hard ask for a curious toddler, but it’s important to avoid further damage.

Offer Pain Relief

If your toddler is in pain, a cold compress can work wonders. Apply a cold, wet cloth to the outside of their cheek to help reduce swelling and soothe soreness. If the pain seems to be more severe, consult your pediatrician about giving the appropriate dose of over-the-counter pain relief medication.

Maintain Oral Hygiene

Keep up with regular oral hygiene but be gentle around the affected area. If brushing around the loose tooth is causing pain, you might try using a soft washcloth to gently clean that part of the mouth for a couple of days.

Soft Foods are Your Friend

Stick to soft, easy-to-eat foods that don’t require much chewing. Applesauce, yogurt, and smoothies are good options that also happen to be toddler-approved.

Consult Your Pediatric Dentist

Make a call to your pediatric dentist to get their advice. At Pediatric Dental Team in Philadelphia, we’re here to provide guidance on how to handle a loose tooth or to schedule an appointment if necessary. Sometimes, it’s best for a dentist to take a look, especially if there’s any uncertainty about the injury or how it should be handled.

Monitor for Changes

Keep an eye on the tooth and your child’s behavior in the days following the incident. If you notice changes in the color of the tooth or if your child continues to experience pain or discomfort, it’s important to visit the dentist. These could be signs of more serious damage.

Be Prepared for Next Time

Once everything is resolved, take a moment to think about how you can be prepared for potential future dental emergencies. It might be helpful to have a small dental first aid kit handy and the phone number for Pediatric Dental Team in Philadelphia saved in your contacts.

Remember, while a knocked loose tooth can be alarming, it’s often not as serious as it seems. With a calm approach and the right care, your little one will be back to normal in no time. And remember, the Pediatric Dental Team is always here to help or answer any questions you may have about your child’s oral health.