Every parent dreads that sudden cry followed by a small tooth in their child’s hand. Whether it happens during a playground fall, a sports game, or an accidental bump, a knocked-out tooth can be alarming. But knowing what to do in those critical first moments can make all the difference, especially when it comes to saving your child’s smile. Here’s what you need to know if your child knocks out a tooth, step by step.
Step 1: Stay Calm and Act Quickly
When a dental emergency strikes, your child will look to you for reassurance. Staying calm helps you think clearly and keeps your child from panicking. Time is crucial, especially if the tooth is a permanent tooth. A knocked-out adult tooth has the best chance of being saved if reimplanted within 30 minutes to an hour.
If it’s a baby tooth, don’t try to put it back in the socket. Baby teeth should not be reimplanted, as this can harm the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Step 2: Find the Tooth and Handle It Carefully
Locate the tooth as soon as possible. When you pick it up, hold it by the crown (the white, visible part), not the root. Touching the root can damage delicate tissue needed for reattachment.
If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline solution. Avoid using soap, alcohol, or scrubbing it clean. The goal is to keep the root cells alive and intact.
Step 3: Try to Reinsert (If It’s a Permanent Tooth)
If your child is old enough and the tooth is permanent, you can attempt to gently place it back into the socket. Have your child bite down softly on a clean gauze pad or cloth to help hold it in place.
If reinserting isn’t possible or your child is too frightened, store the tooth properly instead. Place it in a clean container filled with milk, a tooth preservation solution (if available), or your child’s saliva. Never use tap water, as it can damage the root cells.
Step 4: Get to the Dentist Immediately
After securing the tooth, see a dentist right away. Call your child’s dentist to explain the situation and head to the office or an emergency dental clinic. If it happens after hours, go to an emergency room that has dental services.
Quick action dramatically increases the chances of saving a permanent tooth. The dentist will assess the injury, clean the area, and either reinsert the tooth or discuss replacement options if necessary.
Step 5: Follow Up with Care
After the emergency visit, your dentist will schedule follow-up appointments to monitor healing and check for infection or damage to the surrounding teeth. If the tooth can’t be saved, your dentist may recommend a space maintainer for younger children to ensure proper jaw and tooth development until the adult tooth comes in.
A knocked-out tooth can be scary, but with the right steps, you can give your child the best chance of recovery. Remember, keep calm, handle the tooth carefully, reinsert it or store it in milk if it’s permanent, and get to the dentist right away. Knowing what to do ahead of time can turn a dental emergency into a manageable situation and help your child keep their bright, healthy smile.
About the Author
Dr. Zane Wayland Berry graduated Magna Cum Laude from Virginia Commonwealth University before completing a residency in Advanced Education in General Dentistry at Langley Air Force Base and serving as a dentist in the U.S. Air Force Dental Corps for two years. Today, Dr. Berry prioritizes advanced training through memberships in the American Association of Orthodontics, the Academy of General Dentistry, and the American Dental Association. Are you experiencing a dental emergency? If so, don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment online or call our Chesapeake office at (757) 548-1611.