Pediatric Dental Emergency: What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

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As a pediatric dentist, I understand how much we, as parents, prioritize our children’s health and happiness—including their smiles! We diligently teach them to brush and floss to protect against cavities and gum disease. But what happens when your child experiences a dental emergency, like knocking out a tooth?

It’s completely normal to feel panicked in such a moment, especially when your little one is in pain or bleeding. To help you handle this situation calmly and effectively, I’ve put together five steps to follow if your child knocks out a tooth.

Step 1: Call Your Pediatric Dentist

The first and most important thing you should do is call your pediatric dentist. My team and I are always ready to provide urgent care for situations like these. If same-day care is needed, we’ll do everything we can to see your child quickly. Over the phone, we can guide you through the next steps to protect your child’s tooth and minimize discomfort before your visit.

Step 2: Locate the Tooth

Whether it’s a baby tooth or an adult tooth, try to find the tooth and bring it with you to your appointment. If it’s a permanent tooth, there’s a chance we may be able to reimplant it, but only if it’s still viable. When you handle the tooth, make sure to hold it by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root, as it contains delicate tissues essential for successful reimplantation.

Step 3: Rinse the Tooth Gently

If the tooth is dirty, avoid scrubbing or rinsing it under running water, as this can damage the root tissues. Instead, gently clean the tooth by placing it in a small bowl of lukewarm tap water.

Step 4: Try to Reinsert the Tooth

If it’s safe to do so, attempt to gently place the tooth back into its socket. Make sure there are no sharp edges that could harm your child’s gums. Once the tooth is in place, have your child bite down on a piece of gauze or a moistened paper towel to hold it steady. Keep their jaw closed gently until you arrive at the office.

Step 5: Store the Tooth Safely

If reinserting the tooth isn’t possible, it’s important to keep the tooth moist until you can see the dentist. Place the tooth in a small container with some of your child’s saliva or milk to preserve the root cells. Avoid storing it in plain water, as this can damage the tooth.

When you arrive for your appointment, I’ll carefully examine your child’s mouth and use any necessary imaging to assess the injury. From there, we’ll create a treatment plan tailored to your child’s needs, whether that involves reimplanting the tooth or exploring other restorative options.

It’s true that dental emergencies can be stressful, but with the right steps, you can help protect your child’s smile. Rest assured, we’ll do everything we can to restore your little one’s confidence and comfort.

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About the Author: Dr. Saina Shirazi has a passion for pediatric dentistry, and she loves making kids smile (literally!). With a dental degree from Shahid Beheshti University in Iran and Pediatric Fellowship from Shahid Beheshti University, Dr. Shirazi is dedicated to making dental visits fun and stress-free for children.

For more info, give us a call at +1 877-387-6747 in Richmond Hill Area (Oris Dental Clinic) or at (416) 932-2000 in Toronto Area (Brookdale Dentistry) or visit our website!