What to Do in Case of a Knocked-Out Tooth or Dental Trauma: A Guide for Parents

Accidents happen, and when it involves your child’s teeth, it can be a stressful experience. If your child has knocked out a tooth while playing sports, sustained dental trauma in a fall, or experienced a dental injury due to an accident, knowing how to handle the situation quickly and correctly is crucial. That’s why our Where Smiles Grow team has put together a detailed guide on what to do if your child suffers from a knocked-out tooth or dental trauma. Check it out below and as always, let our team know if you have any questions at your next appointment!

Immediate Steps to Take for a Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, acting quickly can increase the chances of saving it. Please remember that if your child experiences a severe head injury, loses consciousness or has trouble breathing, call 911 immediately.

Also please remember that if you are a patient of Where Smiles Grow, we have a doctor on call 24 hours a day 365 days a year in case of a dental emergency.

First – Stay Calm and Comfort Your Child

Your first instinct may be to panic, but it’s important to remain calm and reassure your child. Help them sit down and avoid any further movement.

Locate the Tooth

If the tooth is knocked out completely, try to locate it immediately. Be sure to handle it carefully, always by the crown (the white part), never by the root (the pointy end). Handling the root can damage the tissue, making it less likely to reattach properly.

If it is an adult tooth follow the instructions below.  If you are not sure if it is an adult tooth, call the dentist immediately to get instructions.

Rinse the Tooth Gently

Once you’ve found the tooth, rinse it with saline or milk would be best but if not available then a very brief rinse with water to remove any dirt or debris. Do not scrub or use soap, as this will damage the tissue on the root further.

Reinsert the Tooth if Possible

If it is a permanent tooth, try reinserting it back into the socket immediately. Have your child bite down gently on a piece of gauze or cloth to hold it in place. If reinserting the tooth is not possible, do not force it.

Keep the Tooth Moist

If you can’t reinsert the tooth, it’s crucial to keep it moist. Place the tooth in a container of Tooth Saver Solution, milk, saline solution or have your child or have the parent hold the tooth inside their cheek ideally in some gauze. Keeping the tooth moist is essential for preserving the cells along the root until the dentist can re-implant the tooth. But most importantly get to a dentist as soon as possible.

Seek Immediate Dental Care

Time is of the essence. Call your dentist right away, and head to the office immediately. Teeth have the best chance of being successfully reimplanted/saved if reinserted within 30 minutes to an hour of the accident. Our Where Smiles Grow team always makes time for emergency visits, and we even have a doctor on call for after-hours incidents. At your exam we will take x-rays, perform a comprehensive head and neck exam to make sure there are no additional injuries or areas being affected and treat the injury,

Control Bleeding

If your child’s gums are bleeding, use a clean gauze pad to apply gentle pressure to the area until the bleeding subsides.

What to Do in Case of Dental Trauma (Chipped or Cracked Teeth)

Not every dental injury involves a tooth being knocked out. Your child may experience other forms of dental trauma such as chipped or cracked teeth. Here’s how to handle these situations:

Chipped/Fractured Tooth

A fractured tooth can range from mild to a serious injury such as when the nerve is exposed.  If you are able to find the piece that broke off, please put it in milk or saline solution immediately. In certain situations, we are able to reattach the piece of the tooth that breaks off and if it is in solution immediately after the injury it can enhance the strength of the reattachment but also the aesthetics/appearance. Rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress to the face and contact your dentist immediately.

Caring for Baby Teeth: What to Do if a Primary Tooth is Knocked Out

While baby teeth are not permanent, a knocked-out primary tooth still requires prompt care. Here’s what to do:

Do Not Attempt to Reinsert a Baby Tooth

Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth should not be reinserted into the socket. Attempting to reinsert a baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth beneath.

Visit the Dentist

Even though it’s a baby tooth, it’s important to take your child to the dentist to assess any damage and ensure that the underlying permanent tooth remains unaffected. Your pediatric dentist will also evaluate whether a space maintainer is needed to ensure the proper alignment of future teeth.

Preventing Future Dental Trauma

The best way to protect your child from dental trauma is through prevention. Here are some tips:

Mouthguards

If your child plays sports, make sure they wear a properly fitted mouthguard to protect their teeth from injury. At Where Smiles Grow, we offer custom mouthguards designed specifically for your child’s teeth. Our team takes precise impressions to create a mouthguard that fits comfortably and provides maximum protection. A well-fitted mouthguard not only protects against dental injuries but also helps to prevent jaw injuries and concussions.

Childproofing

Childproofing your home can significantly reduce the risk of falls and dental injuries. Use safety gates, secure furniture and pad sharp corners. Non-slip mats in bathrooms and cushioned play areas can also help prevent accidents. These simple measures create a safer environment for your child to explore without injury risks.

Regular Dental Checkups

Regular checkups every six months allow us to monitor your child’s oral health and catch any potential issues early. Our team at Where Smiles Grow will check for cavities, tooth development, and alignment to prevent future dental problems. These visits also help your child feel comfortable with dental care, making future appointments smoother.

Contact Our Where Smiles Grow Team Today!

A knocked-out tooth or dental trauma can be a scary experience for both you and your child, but knowing how to act quickly can make all the difference. Always remember to stay calm, act promptly, and seek dental care as soon as possible. If your child experiences any form of dental trauma, contact our office immediately. We always make time for emergency appointments and have a doctor on call 24/7. If your child experiences a severe head injury or becomes unconscious, call 911 immediately.