What to Do When a Child Knocks Out a Milk Tooth: A Parent’s Guide



What should you do when a milk tooth falls out during an accident or a fight?

Many parents believe that milk teeth  get replaced with permanent teeth, so they think it is okay if a child loses a tooth due to a fall or injury. While it is true that milk teeth eventually fall out, but losing a milk tooth due to trauma is not something that should be ignored.

If a child loses a milk tooth due to an accident or injury, the child should be taken to a dentist. Milk teeth are usually not re-implanted (put back in) , but the dentist needs to check whether any tooth fragments are left inside the mouth. Retained fragments can increase the risk of aspiration or infection.After removing any remaining fragments, the dentist may place a space maintainer if required.

What is a space maintainer?

A space maintainer helps preserve the space for the permanent teeth to erupt properly. Teeth always tend to move, and when a milk tooth is lost prematurely, the adjacent teeth can drift into that space. This can lead to crowding of permanent teeth, which may later require braces, frequent dental visits, long treatment duration, and increased cost.

All of this can be avoided with early dental care and proper space maintenance.



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