Few things are more frightening for a parent than seeing their child fall and knock out a tooth. Whether it happens during sports, playtime, or an accident at home, knowing how to respond can make a big difference in your child’s comfort and long-term dental health. Acting quickly and calmly is key, especially when a permanent tooth is involved.
Stay Calm and Check for Injuries
The first step is to stay calm and assess your child. Look for signs of head injury, heavy bleeding, or severe pain. If your child seems dizzy, confused, or has trouble staying awake, seek medical care right away. If the injury appears limited to the mouth, gently rinse away blood so you can clearly see what happened.
Try to determine whether the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, as this affects how the situation should be handled.
If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not try to put it back in the socket. Reimplanting a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. Instead, gently clean the area with water and apply light pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if there is bleeding.
Even though baby teeth are temporary, it’s still important to contact your child’s dentist right away. They can examine the area to make sure there is no damage to surrounding teeth or gums and ensure proper healing.
If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
A knocked-out permanent tooth is a true dental emergency. Time is critical, and contacting an emergency dentist for children as soon as possible gives the best chance of saving the tooth.
If you can find the tooth, pick it up by the crown, not the root. Avoid touching the root, as this can damage important cells needed for reattachment. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with water without scrubbing. If possible, try to place the tooth back into the socket and have your child gently bite down on gauze to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, store the tooth in milk or saliva and head to the dentist immediately.
What to Do While You’re on the Way
Keep your child calm and avoid letting them touch the injured area. Apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth or cheek to help reduce swelling and discomfort. Over-the-counter pain relievers may help, but avoid aspirin unless instructed otherwise.
Getting to the dentist quickly, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes, can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Preventing Future Dental Injuries
While accidents can’t always be avoided, protective steps can reduce risk. Mouthguards during sports, safe play habits, and regular dental checkups all help protect your child’s smile. Teaching kids not to use their teeth as tools and encouraging helmet use during biking or skating can also make a difference.
Knowing what to do ahead of time helps parents act confidently in stressful moments.
About the Practice
Main Street Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics pf Danville provides comprehensive dental care for children and teens, including prompt treatment for dental emergencies. Our experienced pediatric dental team is trained to handle knocked-out teeth and other urgent situations with skill, compassion, and kid-friendly care, helping families navigate emergencies with confidence.
Call us at (925) 575-8878 or request an appointment online.