What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth: A Parent's Guide to Handling a Dental Emergency

Children are full of energy and sometimes that leads to accidents. A fall on the playground, a bump during a game, or even a slip at home can cause a dental emergency like a knocked-out tooth. It’s definitely a scary moment, but staying calm and acting quickly can make all the difference, especially if it’s a permanent tooth.

At Whyte Dental, we’ve helped many parents handle situations like this. Here’s a simple guide on what to do when your child’s tooth falls out and how to give them the best chance of saving it.

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Is It a Baby Tooth or a Permanent Tooth?

The first thing to do in a dental emergency is figure out if the tooth that came out is a baby tooth or a permanent one.

If it’s a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in the socket. Instead, stop any bleeding with a clean cloth and bring your child to the dentist. We’ll check the area and make sure there’s no damage to nearby teeth or gums.

If it’s a permanent tooth, timing is everything. The chances of saving the tooth are highest if you can get to a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes.

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Find the Tooth and Handle It Carefully

Try to find the tooth right away. When you do, hold it by the crown, the white part, not the root. Avoid touching or cleaning the root since it has important tissue that helps the tooth reattach.

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Rinse It Gently Only If Needed

If the tooth is dirty, give it a gentle rinse using milk or a saline solution. Do not scrub it, and avoid using plain water, soap, or chemicals. The goal is to keep the tooth moist and the root intact.

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Try to Put the Tooth Back in the Socket

If your child is old enough and cooperative, you can try to gently place the tooth back into the socket. Ask them to bite down softly on a piece of clean cloth or gauze to hold it in place.

If you are not able to reinsert the tooth, that is okay. Just make sure you keep it moist until you can reach the dentist.

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Keep the Tooth Moist Until You See a Dentist

If reinserting the tooth is not possible, place it in a clean container with milk or your child’s saliva. If neither is available, you can place the tooth gently between your child’s cheek and gums, just be careful they do not swallow it.

Do not store the tooth in water as it can damage the root cells.

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See an Emergency Dentist Immediately

This is the most important step. Visit an emergency dentist as soon as possible. The sooner your child receives treatment, the higher the chances of saving the tooth. Ideally, you should reach us within 30 to 60 minutes.

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How to Prevent Tooth Injuries in Children

• If your child plays contact sports, consider getting them a custom mouthguard

• Make your home safe by baby proofing sharp furniture edges and slippery floors

• Talk to your child about being careful during play, especially around hard surfaces

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Why Choose Whyte Dental for Emergency Dental Care

At Whyte Dental, we offer fast and gentle care for dental emergencies involving children and adults. If your child has knocked out a tooth, we are here to guide you through every step and do everything we can to save their smile.

Save our number and keep this guide handy. You never know when you might need it.