Imagine the chaos of a game suddenly halted by a child’s knocked-out tooth.
It’s one of those moments that seems to happen in slow motion – a hard hit, a tumble to the ground, and suddenly, there's a gap where a tooth used to be. Panic sets in.
What do you do next?
While we hope you never face this scenario, knowing the right steps can make all the difference.
Here’s what you need to do:
Step 1: Stay Calm
First, take a deep breath. Your calmness will help keep the player calm.
Step 2: Handle the Tooth Properly
Locate the tooth and pick it up carefully by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root, as it’s delicate and needs to stay clean. If the tooth has dirt on it, give it a quick rinse under cold water for no more than 10 seconds.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert the Tooth
If it’s an adult tooth, your next best bet is to try and put it back into the socket. Gently push it into the hole, making sure it’s facing the right way. If it goes back in, have the player bite down softly on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
If reinsertion isn’t possible, don’t worry! Store the tooth in a container of milk or the player’s saliva (they can spit into a cup). This keeps the tooth alive until you can get to the dentist.
Step 4: Seek Immediate Dental Help
Time is of the essence! Whether the tooth is in place or stored safely in milk, the key is getting to the dentist as quickly as possible. The faster you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth.
A Quick Note About Baby Teeth
If the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in. It could damage the permanent tooth growing underneath. Unsure if it’s an adult or baby tooth? If in doubt, store it in milk or saliva and head to the dentist for expert advice.
Source: NHS website https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/knocked-out-tooth/
While knowing what to do in an emergency is essential, prevention is always the best strategy. That’s why properly fitted gumshields are crucial for all your young sports players.
While it’s important to remember that no gumshield can eliminate the risk of injury, wearing a high-quality gumshield significantly reduces the risk of dental injuries and will help keep your players' smiles safe during even the toughest matches.
So, whether it's rugby, football, or hockey, make sure your players are always prepared with gum shields on hand to protect their smiles.
Click here to explore our full range of kids mouth guards and ensure you’re always prepared to keep your players safe and smiling.
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