Nothing is more precious than your child’s developing smile. You do everything you can to ensure their teeth and gums stay healthy. Although you encourage the right oral hygiene habits at home, provide a healthy diet, and take them to their dentist twice a year, you can’t always safeguard their smile from every potential complication, like a dental emergency. A fall from a bike or tripping over a curb can result in a knocked-out tooth. Whether it’s a baby or a primary tooth, you need to act fast. Their smile depends on quick care from an emergency dentist. Don’t panic, here’s what you need to do if your child knocked out a tooth.

First Aid for a Knocked-Out Tooth

Dislodging a tooth can be a traumatic experience for both you and your child, but you need to remain calm and access the situation before performing the following steps:

1. Don’t Touch the Root

Contrary to what you might have heard, not all lost teeth are gone for good. In some cases, the tooth can be saved if the proper care is taken. When you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown. Do not touch the roots as you examine it to see if the tooth is fractured or completely intact.

2. Clean the Tooth

Carefully rinse the tooth under lukewarm tap water while you hold it by the crown. Avoid rubbing the tooth or holding it under water for too long. You don’t want to use any soaps or cleaners, and don’t dry it.

3. Put the Tooth in the Socket

It’s best to put the tooth back in the socket as quickly as possible. Have your child bite on a piece of gauze to prevent it from moving until you can get to the emergency dentist.

4. Preserve the Tooth

If you weren’t successful in getting the tooth in place, don’t let it dry out. It’s best to put it in an over-the-counter solution, but most people don’t have any on hand. If you’re in a bind, you can use a cup of milk.

5. Get to the Dentist

The viability of your child’s tooth relies on getting to the dentist within the next 30 minutes. After an hour, the success rate of rehabilitating a knocked-out tooth quickly declines.

Saving a Knocked-Out Tooth

Treating a knocked-out tooth varies based on several factors, such as if it was a primary or permanent tooth. If a baby tooth can’t be saved, they may need a space maintainer to make room for the adult tooth to erupt. If an adult tooth was lost, they’ll do everything they can to save it, but if it isn’t salvageable, they’ll discuss replacement options.

Don’t wait to see an emergency dentist. Your child’s beautiful smile relies on prompt care.

About Dr. Shawn Zahner

Dr. Zahner earned his dental degree at the University of Connecticut Dental School before continuing his training in restorative dentistry. He has the qualifications and experience to treat complex oral health issues, like dental emergencies. If you or a loved one need to see a dentist right away, contact our office today.