Tips for Addressing Your Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth

Dental emergencies have a funny knack for happening when you least expect them to—and often when it’s least convenient! That said, children are also susceptible to sudden dental emergencies like displaced teeth, and when this happens to your child, the world can suddenly come to a screeching halt. But there’s no need to panic! Keep reading to learn about some tips from your emergency dentist that you should follow if your child knocks out a tooth.

Tip #1: Calmly Assess the Situation

One of the most important things you can do when your child suffers any type of dental emergency, especially a knocked-out tooth, is to stay calm! This won’t just allow you to think clearly and act quickly; it will set an example for your child and help to relieve any stress they might be experiencing. You should also make sure that your child has not sustained any additional injuries. If their mouth is bleeding, you can have them bite down on a piece of gauze or a clean washcloth soaked in water; this acts as a compress in the area of the lost tooth and helps with swelling and bleeding.

Tip #2: Locate & Protect the Tooth

Baby teeth and permanent teeth alike can be knocked out—although baby teeth become displaced more easily due to their shorter roots. Since baby teeth aren’t replaced, as it could disrupt the growth of the underlying permanent tooth, you do not need to prioritize retrieving the lost tooth. Nonetheless, you should contact your child’s dentist whether a baby tooth or permanent tooth has been displaced to receive assistance.

If your child has had one of their permanent teeth knocked out, you should attempt to locate and secure the tooth after you’ve treated your child. You can gently pick the tooth up by its crown and rinse it off if necessary. In some cases, you might be able to place the tooth back in its socket by having your child bite down on gauze or a washcloth to hold it in place until you arrive at the dentist. If this isn’t possible, you can store the tooth in a cup of cold milk or your child’s saliva—but do not use water.

Tip #3: Contact Your Child’s Emergency Dentist Promptly

Amidst the potential chaos of a displaced tooth, it’s important to remember to call your child’s emergency dentist quickly to schedule an appointment. Time is of the essence here; the tooth has the best chance of being replaced if you’re able to get your child to the dentist within an hour! Your dentist will let you know if there’s anything specific you need to do in the meantime other than gathering the tooth and caring for your child.

A little quick thinking and jumping into action can ensure that your little one receives the pain-relief and treatment that they need upon having a tooth knocked out.

About the Practice

The team at Harris Parkway Dental Care is honored to serve patients and families in Fort Worth and the surrounding area under the leadership of Dr. Brad McConnell and Dr. Yaritza Vazquez. Their practice is proud to offer a wide range of available services including emergency dentistry. If your child has suffered a knocked-out tooth, don’t hesitate to schedule a visit: (817) 423-2223.