What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

Kids love to play, explore, and enjoy their childhood—and parents do their best to keep them safe. But accidents happen. So, what should you do if one of their pearly whites gets knocked out?

1. Don’t Panic

It’s natural to feel alarmed, but your child is already upset by the bleeding, pain, or simply the shock of losing a tooth. Your calmness will reassure them. Take a deep breath, comfort your child, and remember—staying composed is the first step to handling the situation well.

2. Call Your Pediatric Dentist

Get in touch with your child’s dentist right away. If same-day services are available, they’ll see your child as soon as possible. Otherwise, you’ll receive emergency care instructions to follow until you arrive at the clinic.

3. Find the Tooth

• If it’s a baby tooth, don’t worry—we don’t re-implant them.

• If it’s a permanent tooth, try to find it quickly. Handle it only by the crown (the top part), never by the root, to keep it in the best condition for possible re-implantation.

4. Clean the Tooth Gently

Do not scrub the tooth or hold it under strong running water. Instead, gently rinse it in a small bowl of lukewarm water—or even your child’s saliva. This helps preserve the delicate tissues on the root.

5. Attempt to Reinsert the Tooth

If it looks safe to do so, gently place the tooth back into its socket. Have your child bite down softly on a piece of gauze or a moist paper towel to keep it in place until you reach the dentist.

6. Store the Tooth Properly

If reinserting isn’t possible, place the tooth in a small container with milk or your child’s saliva. This keeps the root cells alive until you get to the dental office.

🏥 What Happens Next

Once you arrive, the dentist will examine your child’s mouth, take X-rays, and decide on the best treatment. Sometimes the repair can be done in one visit, other times it may take follow-up appointments. The most important thing is that your child’s comfort and smile are protected right away.

✨ With quick action and the right care, the worst will soon be behind you—and your child will be on the road to a healthy, happy smile again!