What To Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth
Posted on March 7th, 2025 | GEkidds
Accidents happen, and a knocked out tooth can be a scary experience for both parents and children. Whether your child falls on the playground or takes a hit during sports, knowing how to respond quickly can make all the difference. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your child knocks out a tooth and how a children’s dentist can help restore their smile.
If your child has suffered a dental emergency, call us now at (630) 348-9888 for urgent care.
Stay Calm and Find the Knocked Out Tooth
The first and most important step is to remain calm. After your child suffers a dental injury, they need you to be there to support them. Panicking can make the situation harder on your child and make it difficult for you to help.
Start by checking for any injuries, bleeding, or signs of more serious damage. If your child is bleeding excessively or could have a jaw or head injury, seek emergency medical care immediately.
It’s also important that you locate the lost tooth (if possible) if it’s a permanent adult tooth. This will give your dentist the opportunity to reinsert and potentially save it.
Can a Tooth Be Put Back In?
Yes, but only if it is a permanent tooth and done shortly after the injury.
Caring For a Knocked Out Baby Tooth vs. Permanent Tooth
Determine whether the lost tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent one. Each type of tooth will require different care following trauma.
- Baby Tooth (Milk Tooth): If a baby tooth is knocked out, do NOT attempt to reinsert it. Doing so can damage the underlying permanent tooth and gum tissue. Instead, apply a cold compress to the area and call your child’s dentist for guidance.
- Permanent Tooth: If a permanent tooth is knocked out, immediate action is necessary to save it. A quick response increases the chances of successful reimplantation.
Steps To Take for a Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
If your child loses a permanent tooth, follow these steps:
- Find the Tooth – Locate the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the top part), avoiding the root.
- Rinse Carefully – If the tooth is unclean, gently wash it with lukewarm water or a saline solution. Do NOT scrub or use soap, as this can damage the tooth.
- Reinsert – If your child is old enough to avoid choking and not in pain, try to place the tooth back into its socket. Instruct your child to carefully bite down to secure it, keeping gauze or cloth between the top and bottom rows of teeth.
- Store the Tooth Properly – If reinsertion isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in:
- A cup of milk
- A tooth preservation kit (if available)
- Your child’s saliva (inside their cheek or a cup)
- Do NOT store it in water, as this can damage the root cells
- Seek Emergency Dental Care – Call a dentist immediately. The sooner a knocked out permanent tooth is reimplanted, the better the chances of saving it. Ideally, this should happen within 30 minutes to a couple of hours.
By acting quickly and following these steps, you can help protect your child’s smile and minimize the long-term effects of dental trauma.
What If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out?
While losing a baby tooth prematurely isn’t as serious as losing a permanent tooth, you should still contact your dentist. A space maintainer may be required to prevent shifting of surrounding teeth and ensure proper alignment as permanent teeth come in.
After a milk tooth is knocked out, check for any additional injuries and schedule a dental appointment quickly.
What If a Front Tooth Fell Out?
If your child’s front tooth fell out, follow the same emergency steps above depending on whether it’s a baby or permanent tooth. For cosmetic concerns, your dentist can recommend options like space maintainers to protect proper alignment. Your child may even benefit from a temporary false tooth that will hold space for the adult tooth until it erupts.
What If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Loose?
If a baby tooth is knocked loose but has not fallen out, avoid wiggling it. Offer soft foods and have your child avoid chewing on the affected side. Contact your dentist to assess whether the tooth needs to be stabilized or removed.
Preventing Knocked Out Teeth
While not all accidents can be avoided, here are some steps to reduce the risk of serious dental injury:
- Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports and physical activities.
- Teach them not to chew on hard foods or objects like pens, ice, or hard candy.
- Supervise young children during playtime to limit falls.
- Schedule regular dental check-ups to monitor tooth development and strength.
When To Call a Dentist
Anytime your child experiences dental trauma, it’s best to contact a dentist right away. Whether a tooth was knocked out or another dental emergency occurred, timely intervention ensures the best outcome for your child’s oral health.
At Glen Ellyn kiDDS Pediatric Dentistry and Orthodontics, we provide top-notch emergency dental care when you need it most. If your child knocks out a tooth, contact us immediately for guidance and treatment.
