So, what do you do if an accident happens, or your child is head butted on a trampoline and there is damage to their teeth....

• If it is during a working day call us and we will arrange an urgent appointment for the damage to be assessed and treatment started.
• If any adult teeth have been knocked out rinse them gently under running water (do not scrub) if they are contaminated and if possible replace them in their socket.
  If this isn't possible keep them under the tongue, or in a glass of milk, or damp in cling film.
• Baby teeth, especially in children aged over 5 are often due to come out soon anyone, and can suffer badly from quite minor trauma. Do not try to reposition them, and if they are very loose consider removing them yourself. It is a complex field so seek urgent advice.
• Time is of the essence as the prognosis for avulsed ( jargon for knocked out) teeth gets poorer quite rapidly after 30 minutes has elapsed. The cells on the outside of the usually unseen part of the tooth are very delicate.
• Permanent teeth that have been moved in their sockets need to be repositioned as soon as possible. The nerves of the teeth are usually affected by blows and need further treatment to avoid abscesses occurring.
• If part of the tooth has been chipped off them locate it if possible and bring it with you. In young children there is a high rate of nerve death following even minor chips. It is possible today to successfully treat even quite badly damaged teeth.
• If it looks really bad, with displaced or very loose teeth, possible fracturing of the jaws or severe laceration of the lips or if it is late at night then go immediately to your local casualty department, ideally one with an Oral Surgery Department.
  Locally this is Cheltenham/Gloucester, Swindon GWH or Bath RUH.