Unfortunately, all it takes is one rogue football or one accidental bump in the schoolyard for your child to lose a tooth. While your initial reaction may be to panic, do your best to stay calm. This will help you think clearly and act quickly. Whether your child lost a baby or permanent tooth will determine how to properly handle this dental emergency. With this in mind, keep reading for what to do next when your child has knocked out a tooth!
What to Do If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
Primary teeth (also known as “baby” teeth) don’t have the same long roots that adult teeth do. As a result, they are more vulnerable to being knocked out. If this happens, here are a few steps you should follow:
- Do your best to make your child feel calm, reassuring them that you’re there to help.
- Take a look inside their mouth to make sure there are no other injuries.
- Stop the bleeding with a clean piece of gauze.
- Have them bite down on a clean washcloth to reduce swelling.
- Call their dentist.
What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
Your child’s permanent teeth are meant to last a lifetime. If one gets knocked out, it’s of the utmost importance that you act quickly to save it (typically, you have about 30 to 60 minutes to get to their dentist’s office). Therefore, follow the below steps promptly:
- Locate their tooth, picking it up by the crown.
- If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with clean, running water.
- Place it back in the socket. If it doesn’t easily glide in, don’t force it. Instead, keep it in a glass of cold milk or a cup of your child’s saliva.
- Have your child bite down on a clean washcloth to keep the tooth in place or minimize swelling and bleeding.
- Call their dentist for an urgent visit.
Getting a tooth knocked out can be a scary experience for any child, whether they are in pre-school or preparing for college. That’s why it’s of the utmost importance that you stay calm, act quickly, and call their dentist. This will ensure they get the fast, effective treatment they need when they need it most.
About the Practice
Whether it’s time for your six-month checkup or your little one needs last-minute treatment from our emergency dentist, our philosophy at Pinnacle Dental is the same: provide quality-based, patient-driven dentistry. Both Dr. Clark Ingoldsby and Dr. James Zonghetti both have decades of experience, are highly trained, and believe in compassionate, personalized care. If you’d like to learn more about handling a knocked-out tooth or need to schedule an appointment, don’t hesitate to visit our website or give us a call at 781-843-7905.