If a tooth breaks off, is loose or is out of the mouth, it is a tooth injury. Take the damaged tooth or piece of tooth to the dentist immediately.

Go to the dentist immediately with the broken tooth. Keep the tooth part wet! The dentist checks whether he can replace the broken piece. If replacement is not possible, the dentist restores the tooth with tooth-colored material (composite). If there are no complaints, the dentist usually does nothing about a broken baby tooth. If necessary, he will grind the sharp edge of the tooth smooth, so that your child does not damage the tongue.

Do not arrive or push back. Go straight to the dentist.

Place the permanent teeth back in the mouth. The faster you do that, the greater the chance of success. Act as follows:

1. Locate the tooth quickly.
2. Grab the tooth by the crown. The crown is the part of the tooth that is visible above the gums. Avoid contact with the root of the tooth. This reduces the chance of a successful return.
3. Rinse the tooth with milk. No milk within reach? Then have the patient lick or suck the tooth clean. Never clean the tooth with water or detergents and do not use a brush. This reduces the chance of a successful return. In addition, rinsing under the tap can cause the tooth to disappear down the drain.
4. Is the tooth clean? Then put it back.
5. Then keep the teeth together with a paper tissue or gauze in between. This way the tooth stays in place.
6. Go straight to the dentist. He will check and secure (splint) the replaced tooth.

NB: never replace a baby tooth that has fallen out. This can damage the new permanent tooth.

Put the tooth in the milk. No milk within reach? Then keep the tooth loose in the mouth, preferably in the space between the molars and the cheek. If the tooth has been dry for more than half an hour, it can hardly be put back successfully. So never keep the tooth in a handkerchief or box on the way to the dentist.

Dental injuries can sometimes be prevented. For example, you can wear a mouthguard during sports. This offers no guarantee, but can limit any damage in the event of an accident. There are different types of protectors. Ready-made ones can be bought in sports shops. These often do not fit well and therefore provide insufficient protection. The mouthguard that has been precisely tailored by your dentist works best.