Traumatologist and dental therapist Olga Tishkina, owner of the New Iceberg dental clinic, spoke with socialbites.ca about what to do when a child breaks a molar.
Tishkina emphasized the urgency of locating the fallen tooth quickly and returning it to its socket as soon as possible. Time is a critical factor because the chance of saving the tooth depends on preserving the cells at the root surface.
She explained that if the tooth is quite dirty, a caregiver can gently lick it before reattaching it. If this action is taken within five minutes after the injury, the dental nerve stands a better chance of staying alive. However, if the tooth is buried in the ground or the child has not received a tetanus vaccination, replantation should not be attempted without medical guidance, and an anti-tetanus precaution may be necessary, the traumatologist noted.
According to Tishkina, the most important step in these incidents is not to waste time and to seek professional dental care immediately. She also reminded that a 24-hour free helpline is available for immediate instructions and support.
The doctor stated that the tooth will take root only if the cells on the tooth’s root surface remain viable.
She added that drying the tooth, wiping it with an alcohol swab, and rinsing it with water can destroy the delicate connective cells needed for healing. Placing the tooth in milk or saline can preserve the surface cells for roughly twenty minutes outside the socket. Therefore, if immediate replantation is not feasible, keeping the tooth in cold milk and seeking urgent dental care increases the chances of successful reattachment, the specialist advised.
In related notes, the discussion also touched on the common issue of bad breath that can arise from dental problems, underscoring the importance of early evaluation and routine care to prevent complications.