‍One minute your kid is laughing on the playground. The next, they’re crying with a tooth in their hand. Cue the panic! Dental emergencies like knocked-out teeth can feel overwhelming, especially when they happen out of the blue. And while many people have to Google “children’s dentist near me” in a snap, knowing what to do in those first few minutes can make a huge difference.  

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to do step-by-step, what not to do, and when it’s time to get the dentist involved (hint: it’s sooner than you think).

First Things First: Stay Calm

Easier said than done, right? But your child is going to look to you for how serious this situation is. If you’re panicked, they’ll panic too. So, take a deep breath, get your bearings, and offer comfort while assessing the situation. A calm tone and gentle words can help ease the fear and pain, even if you’re internally freaking out.

Steps to Take If Your Child’s Tooth Gets Knocked Out

1. Baby Tooth or Permanent Tooth?

This matters a lot. If your child is under six, there’s a good chance it’s a baby tooth. And if they’re over six, it could be a permanent one — and that changes the game.

If it’s a baby tooth: Don’t try to reinsert it. The dentist will want to examine the area, but putting it back in can actually harm the adult tooth developing underneath.

If it’s a permanent tooth: Time is critical. If possible, you want to try to save it within 30–60 minutes.

2. Stop the Bleeding

Have your child bite down gently on a piece of clean gauze or a washcloth. Hold it there for about 10–15 minutes. You can also use a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.

3. Find the Tooth (If Possible)

If it’s a permanent tooth and you can find it, handle it carefully. Pick it up by the crown (the part you see when smiling), not the root. Rinse it gently with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or use soap.

4. Reinsert the Tooth (If It’s Permanent)

If your child is old enough and cooperative, try to gently place the tooth back into the socket and have them hold it there by biting down softly on gauze. If you can’t reinsert it, don’t worry.

5. Keep It Moist

If the tooth can’t go back in, keep it moist until you get to the dentist. Here’s how:

• Place it in a small container of milk
• Use a tooth preservation product (if you have one in your first aid kit)
• Or have your child hold it between their cheek and gum (if they’re old enough not to swallow it)

6. Call the Dentist Immediately

This is one of those dental emergencies where you don’t want to wait it out. Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent one, call your pediatric dentist ASAP (or Google “children’s dentist near me” first) and let them know what happened. The sooner they see your little one, the better the outcome.

When to See the Dentist (and Why You Shouldn’t Wait)

Even if everything looks okay after a fall, trauma to the mouth can cause hidden damage. The surrounding teeth might be loose, the gums could be injured, or the root might be affected. That’s why it’s important to get checked out, even if your child is acting fine afterward.

Here’s when you should head to the dentist right away:

• A permanent tooth has been knocked out or is loose
• A baby tooth is knocked out or pushed into the gums
• There’s uncontrolled bleeding
• Your child complains of lingering pain or sensitivity
• The tooth looks cracked, broken, or dark in color

If your child has also hit their head or lost consciousness, head to urgent care or the ER first. You can always follow up with the dentist after making sure there’s no serious head injury.

What If You Can’t Get to a Dentist Right Away?

Life happens. Maybe it’s after hours, or you’re away from home. If you can’t get to a dentist immediately, here’s how to care for your child in the meantime:

• Keep the area clean and free from hard or crunchy foods
• Use cold compresses to ease swelling
• Offer soft foods and room-temperature drinks
• Manage pain with over-the-counter pain relievers (as directed by your pediatrician)
• Store the tooth properly if it’s been knocked out and you haven’t reinserted it

Then, get in touch with a dentist as soon as possible the next morning.

Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Be Saved?

If it’s a permanent tooth and it’s reinserted within 30 minutes, there’s a pretty solid chance it can reattach successfully. After that, the chances slowly go down, though there’s still hope. That’s why it’s crucial to act quickly and get to the dentist right away.

Even if the tooth can’t be saved, your child’s dentist will offer options to maintain spacing, support speech development, and plan for any future dental work needed.  

What About Knocked-In or Shifted Teeth?

Not all dental injuries involve a tooth flying across the playground. Sometimes, a tooth gets shoved back into the gums or pushed sideways. These injuries are just as serious and still require a trip to the dentist. The root and surrounding bone may be affected, and leaving it untreated could lead to complications down the road.

Preventing Future Tooth Mishaps

Of course, some accidents are just that — accidents. But there are ways to reduce the risk of dental injuries:

• Mouthguards for sports: Whether it’s soccer, basketball, or skateboarding, a mouthguard is a must. ‍
• No running with objects in the mouth: We see you, kids with pencils and lollipops! ‍
• Childproof the home: Especially for toddlers who are just learning to walk. ‍
• Use car seats and seat belts: Proper restraints reduce the risk of oral trauma during car accidents.

A Top Children’s Dentist Near Me? You Found It!

Dental accidents are never fun, but knowing exactly what to do when your child knocks out a tooth can help you protect their smile. The key is staying calm, acting fast, and calling your pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent one, those first steps can make a huge difference in your child’s recovery (and your peace of mind).

If your child has experienced a dental emergency or it’s simply time for a check-up, book an appointment with us at Perfect Smile Braces. Our friendly team will be happy to take great care of your little one and help keep their smile strong, happy, and healthy for years to come.