What should I do first if my child knocks out a tooth?
Stay calm and figure out whether it's a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, because the steps are opposite. A permanent tooth should be put back in the socket as soon as possible, while a baby tooth should never be put back.
At Dr. Lulu Pediatric Dentistry, we offer same-day emergency appointments when scheduling permits, and this guide covers what to do in the first few minutes, before you reach our office.
Before you deal with the tooth, check that your child is okay overall. If there was a hard blow to the head, or your child lost consciousness, seems confused, is vomiting, or has trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room first.
What do I do if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Move quickly. A permanent tooth has the best chance of being saved when it's back in the socket within about 15 minutes, and it may still be saved within the first hour if you act carefully. Follow these steps:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the smooth part you chew with. Avoid touching the root.
- If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline. Don't scrub it, and don't use tap water.
- If your child is old enough and cooperating, try to place the tooth back in the socket, then have your child bite gently on clean gauze or cloth to hold it in place.
- If you can't put it back, keep the tooth moist in a container of milk, saline or a tooth-preservation solution, or your child's saliva. Never store it in tap water.
- Get to a dentist or the emergency room right away, and let them know a permanent tooth has been knocked out.
What do I do if a baby tooth is knocked out?
Don't put it back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath it. Instead:
- Comfort your child and apply gentle pressure with clean gauze if there's bleeding
- Call your child's dentist so the area can be checked for other injuries
- Bring the tooth, or any pieces you find, to the appointment
The dentist will make sure the neighboring teeth, gums, and developing permanent tooth are okay. If your child's baby tooth is simply loose and ready to come out on its own, our tooth loss tips for parents can help.
What should I do if my child chips or cracks a tooth?
Rinse your child's mouth with water, save any pieces you can find, and call the dentist the same day. Even a small chip can reach deeper layers of the tooth, and sharp or ragged edges can cut the tongue and cheek. In the meantime:
- Rinse the mouth gently with water, especially if there's bleeding
- Apply a cold compress to the lip or cheek to reduce swelling
- Keep any broken pieces to bring with you
- Stick to soft foods until your child is seen
At the visit, dental X-rays can show whether the root or surrounding bone was affected. Depending on how much of the tooth is involved, treatment may range from restoring it with a tooth filling to protecting it with a dental crown. When a tooth can't be saved, a tooth extraction may be the safest option.
What should I do if my child has a toothache or swelling?
A toothache that doesn't go away, or one that comes with swelling, needs a prompt dental visit because it can signal infection. Until your child is seen:
- Have your child rinse with warm water
- Gently floss around the tooth to remove any trapped food
- Apply a cold compress to the outside of the cheek
- Ask your dentist or pediatrician which pain relief is appropriate for your child's age and weight
- Avoid placing aspirin or other pain medicine directly on the gums, which can irritate the tissue
Call the dentist the same day for a persistent toothache, a pimple-like bump on the gums, or a lost filling or crown that causes pain or sensitivity.
When should I go to the emergency room instead of the dentist?
Go to the emergency room or call 911 when an injury goes beyond the teeth. Seek emergency medical care if your child has:
- A head injury, loss of consciousness, confusion, or repeated vomiting
- Bleeding that won't stop with steady pressure
- Swelling that is spreading across the face or neck, or that affects breathing, swallowing, or vision
- A possible broken jaw
If a permanent tooth is knocked out when our office is closed, head to the nearest emergency room rather than waiting. If you're ever unsure, it's always better to call and ask.
What happens at an emergency dental visit?
We start by making your child comfortable, then examine the injured area, check the surrounding teeth and gums, take X-rays when needed, and talk through treatment options before anything begins. Dr. Lulu Molina and our team explain each step in a way children can understand.
Emergencies can be especially frightening for children who are anxious or sensitive to sounds, lights, or unfamiliar settings. Let us know when you call so we can plan accordingly, and learn more about our approach to special needs and anxious children dentistry.
How can I help prevent dental injuries?
You can't prevent every accident, but a few habits lower the risk:
- Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports and other high-contact activities, and ask our team about options
- Discourage chewing on ice, pens, and other hard objects
- Keep up with regular checkups so small problems are caught before they become emergencies
- Save our office number in your phone so you have it when you need it
You can see everything we offer on our pediatric dental services page.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a knocked-out baby tooth be put back in?
No. Putting a baby tooth back in the socket can damage the permanent tooth growing beneath it. Comfort your child, control any bleeding, and call the dentist to have the area checked.
How long do I have to save a knocked-out permanent tooth?
Time matters. The best chance comes when the tooth is back in the socket within about 15 minutes, and it can sometimes still be saved within the first hour. Get to a dentist or emergency room right away.
Should I rinse a knocked-out tooth with tap water?
No. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with milk or saline, and don't scrub it. Tap water and rubbing can damage the delicate cells on the root that help the tooth reattach.
What if I can't find the tooth?
Don't spend precious time searching for a baby tooth. For a permanent tooth, look briefly, then go. If the tooth can't be found, have your child seen right away to make sure nothing is lodged in the lip or gum and that no piece was swallowed or inhaled.
Does my child need to see a dentist for a small chip?
Yes, it's best to have any chipped or cracked tooth looked at the same day or as soon as possible. A chip that looks minor can still involve deeper layers of the tooth, and sharp edges can irritate the mouth.
Do you offer same-day emergency appointments?
Yes, same-day emergency appointments are available when scheduling permits. Call as soon as possible so our team can guide you on next steps.
Reach Our Team for Pediatric Dental Emergencies
If your child is hurt right now, call (480) 955-5858 as soon as possible so we can guide you and arrange urgent care for families across Scottsdale, McCormick Ranch, DC Ranch, Grayhawk, and Scottsdale Ranch. For follow-up care or a checkup after an injury, you can also request a visit through our Book Appointment page.
