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

As parents, we do everything we can to try to keep our children happy, healthy, and safe. This applies to their oral well-being, too. You probably have them regularly brushing and flossing their teeth twice daily to prevent cavities and gum disease, but what should you do if one of their pearly whites gets knocked out? It’s natural to panic if your kid has a dental emergency like this, especially if they’re in pain or bleeding. Fortunately, your pediatric dentist has put together the following information so you know 5 steps you can take in such an urgent situation!

Step #1: Call The Pediatric Dentist

The first thing you need to do is call for help. Reach out to your child’s dentist to make an appointment. If they don’t offer same-day services, they’ll be sure to schedule your little one for the earliest opportunity. They’ll likely also provide emergency care instructions over the phone for you to follow until you arrive at your allotted time.

Step #2: Find the Tooth

Whether it’s a baby tooth or an adult one that they’ve lost, it can be helpful for your child’s dentist if you bring it with you. If it’s a permanent tooth, there’s a chance it can be reimplanted as long as it remains viable. Once you find it, only touch the top, or the crown, to avoid harming the roots and keep it in good condition.

Step #3: Clean the Tooth

You should avoid holding the tooth under running water or scrubbing it thoroughly, as this can damage the nerves and other tissues that are needed for it to be replaced. Instead, gently cleanse it in a bowl of lukewarm tap water.

Step #4: Attempt to Reinsert the Tooth

If you can do so safely, it can be helpful to try to put the tooth back in its socket. If there are no jagged edges that will scratch the sensitive tissues inside your little one’s mouth, you can gently place it in its space. Then, have your child bite down on a small piece of gauze or moistened paper towel. Try to have them keep their jaw closed over it until you reach your pediatric dentist.

Step #5: Store the Tooth Properly

If it’s not feasible to replace the tooth, you can put it in a small glass or baggy with some of your child’s saliva, or even a bit of milk. This will keep it safe and keep the root cells intact until you arrive at the dentist’s office.

Once you come in for your child’s appointment, their dentist will examine their mouth and take the necessary images to determine the full extent of the damage. From there, they’ll recommend appropriate treatments to mend it. They may not be able to complete the repair in a single visit, depending, but they’ll do everything they can to alleviate symptoms and protect their grin for now.

Soon, the worst will be behind you and your child will be well on their way to having a beautifully restored smile!

About the Practice

At Children’s Dental Specialty, your child benefits from two board-certified pediatric dentists who provide a full range of services, including emergency care. They provide same-day appointments in urgent situations, so your kid doesn’t have to wait for some much-needed relief. Then, they utilize state-of-the-art technology to quickly diagnose any issues and provide prompt recommendations. If your little one had a tooth knocked out and needs help, you’re welcome to contact the office on the website or by calling (480) 282-6746.