3 Easy-to-Follow Steps for When Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

As a parent, it can be quite frightening if your child ever knocks out a tooth. But it's important to stay calm and know what steps to take in order to minimize the damage and prevent further complications. Here are three easy-to-follow steps for when your child knocks out a tooth:

Step #1: Calmly Assess the Situation

The first thing to do when your child knocks out a tooth is to assess the situation. If your child is in pain or there is bleeding, reassure them that everything will be okay and that you will get them the help they need. Be sure to apply firm pressure with a clean cloth or gauze if there is bleeding. If your child is not in pain, but the tooth is knocked out, reassure them that it is normal to lose baby teeth and that their permanent teeth will grow in their place. If it’s an adult tooth, it’s important to reach out to our dentist in Vista immediately.

Be sure to check for any other injuries to the mouth, including cuts or bruises on the gums, lips, or tongue. Firm pressure and an ice pack can be extremely helpful. However, if you suspect a broken jaw or there is bleeding that cannot be controlled, be sure to go to the nearest hospital emergency room.

Step #2: Locate & Protect the Tooth

Once you have assessed the situation, you need to locate and protect the tooth. If the tooth is still in your child's mouth, do not wiggle or force the tooth out as this can cause more damage to the surrounding tissue. If the tooth has been knocked out completely, you will need to locate it as soon as possible. Look for the tooth in the surrounding area, including the floor, furniture, or your child's clothing. If you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown (the part that is normally visible in the mouth) and avoid touching the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently but do not scrub the tooth clean as it can damage the fibers that aid in reattachment. Once you have located the tooth, you need to protect it until you can get to your child's emergency dentist. The best way to do this is to place the tooth in a container of milk or saline solution. If you don't have access to milk or even contact solution, you can also place the tooth in a container of water with a pinch of salt. Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or cloth as this can damage the root.

Step #3: Contact Your Child’s Emergency Dentist

The final step is to contact your child's emergency dentist as soon as possible. If your child's regular dentist does not offer emergency services, find an emergency dentist in Vista who can see your child right away, such as Dr. Houri. It's important to get your child to the dentist within the first hour or two of the tooth being knocked out in order to increase the chances of the tooth being saved. When you call our Vista children’s dentistry office, explain the situation and let us know that your child has knocked out a tooth. That way we can give you further instructions on what to do next and may ask you to come in right away. If you have the tooth with you, bring it with you to your child’s emergency appointment. The quicker an emergency or pediatric dentist is able to see your child, the higher the likelihood is that they can reimplant their knocked-out tooth.

Call Us Today

At All Smiles Children's Dentistry in Vista, CA, we understand how stressful it can be when your child knocks out a tooth. That's why we offer emergency dental services for children to ensure that your child gets the immediate attention they need. Our team of experienced and compassionate children’s dental providers are here to help you and your child through this difficult situation. If your child has knocked out a tooth, don't hesitate to contact us right away!