What to Do if Your Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth
When a child suddenly knocks out a tooth, it can feel like a moment filled with shock, worry, and confusion. Parents often find themselves unsure of what to do next, torn between panic and the need to act quickly.
In such times, staying calm and focused is key. Before making hasty decisions, take a deep breath and remember how resilient children are. Every little accident can become part of a story of healing, learning, and growing stronger.
Let’s find out what happens if your child knocks out a baby tooth.
Immediate Steps to Take When a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
If there’s a cut and the tooth/area was dirty, you’ll need to check with the dentist if your child is at risk for tetanus. They’ll refer your child to a medical provider if necessary.
When a baby tooth gets knocked out, it’s important to stay calm and act quickly to keep your child safe and comfortable. Follow these simple steps:
- Stay Calm and Comfort Your Child: Keep your child calm and reassure them. This helps reduce fear and makes it easier to handle the situation.
- Stop the Bleeding Gently: Use a clean cloth or gauze and press gently on the area to help stop or slow down the bleeding.
- Don’t Try to Put the Tooth Back in: Never try to reinsert a baby tooth; it can harm the new permanent tooth growing underneath or cause an infection.
- Rinse with Warm Water: Have your child gently rinse their mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using strong mouthwashes or anything that might sting.
Any Questions?
When to See a Pediatric Dentist Immediately
If your child experiences excessive bleeding that does not stop with gentle pressure, severe pain, or swelling around the injury site, seek emergency dental attention. These symptoms may indicate a more serious injury needing urgent care. Red flags for a trip to the emergency room include loss of consciousness, vomiting, severe head/facial injury, uncontrolled bleeding, and suspected jaw fracture. Or if you suspect they breathed the tooth into their airway (coughing/wheezing/trouble breathing).
A knocked-out baby tooth can also impact the underlying permanent tooth. A dentist’s evaluation is essential to check for damage to permanent tooth roots or alignment issues that could affect future tooth eruption.
What the Dentist Will Do
When you take your child to the dental clinic to treat their knocked-out tooth, the dentist will:
Examine The Mouth and Take X-rays if Needed
The dentist will look closely at your child’s mouth, checking the area where the tooth came out and the surrounding gums. They may take X-rays to see if there’s any damage to the permanent tooth developing underneath or to the bone.
Check Nearby Teeth and Gums for Damage
The dentist will also check the nearby teeth and soft tissues to make sure there are no other injuries or problems that need treatment.
Recommend a Space Maintainer If Necessary
If the missing baby tooth can cause spacing or alignment issues for future permanent teeth, the dentist may suggest using a space maintainer. This small device keeps the space open so that the new tooth can grow in properly later.
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Closing Note
When your child knocks out a baby tooth, staying calm and acting quickly can help you handle the situation better. With the right care and guidance from a dentist, most dental emergencies can be treated safely and easily.
Consult our board-certified pediatric dentist, Dr. Jasmine Ghanem, at LuxDen Kids for emergency dental care. Call us at (347) 391-0744 to book an appointment.