TOOTH INJURY Injury Definition Injury to a tooth. Types of Tooth Injuries Loosened tooth - may bleed a little from the gums. Displaced tooth (usually pushed inward). Chipped or fractured tooth. Avulsed (knocked out) tooth - a dental emergency for permanent teeth. WHEN TO CALL YOUR DOCTOR FOR TOOTH INJURY Call Your Doctor Now (night or day) If You think your child has a serious injury. Permanent tooth knocked out. (Reason: needs reimplantation ASAP; 2 hours is the deadline for tooth survival.) First Aid Advice: transport the tooth in some Milk or (milk is the best). If over 30 minutes away, try to replace the tooth in the socket before coming in. Permanent tooth is almost falling out. Baby tooth is almost falling out.  Bleeding won't stop after 10 minutes of direct pressure. Tooth is greatly pushed out of its normal position. Tooth that's pushed out of its normal position interferes with normal bite. Severe pain. Age less than 1 year old. Call Your Doctor Within 24 Hours (between 9am and 4pm) If You think your child needs to be seen. Baby tooth knocked out by injury. (Reason: can't be reimplanted but dentist will check for damage to permanent tooth.) Tooth is slightly pushed out of its normal position. Can see a chip or fracture line in the tooth. Tooth sensitive to cold fluids. Tooth feels very loose when you try to move it. Call Your Doctor During Weekday Office Hours If You have other questions or concerns. Parent Care at Home If Minor tooth injury and you don't think your child needs to be seen. Back to Top HOME CARE ADVICE FOR MILD DENTAL INJURIES Local Cold: For pain, apply a piece of ice or a Popsicle to the injured gum area for 20 minutes. Pain Medicine: If it still hurts, give acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) or ibuprofen. Soft Diet: For any loose teeth, offer a soft diet for 3 days. By then, it should be tightened up. Call Your Dentist If: Pain becomes severe Tooth becomes sensitive to hot or cold fluids Tooth becomes a darker color Your child becomes worse or develops any of the "Call Your Dentist" symptoms Back to Top Disclaimer: This information is not intended be a substitute for professional medical advice. It is provided for educational purposes only. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Pediatric HouseCalls Online. Copyright © 2000-2005 Barton Schmitt, M.D. FAAP Reviewed 8/2005 Revised 8/2005 View Index of Topics