Posted on 2/15/2025 by Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry
Every parent dreads the moment their child loses a tooth, especially if it happens due to an accident. A knocked-out tooth can be a scary experience for both the child and the parent. However, with quick thinking and proper care, you can increase the chances of saving the tooth and restoring your child's smile.
What to Do Immediately
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Stay calm and reassure your child. This can be a stressful situation, but staying calm will help your child stay calm as well.
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Find the tooth. If possible, locate the knocked-out tooth.
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Handle the tooth carefully. Hold the tooth by the crown (the top part) and avoid touching the root (the bottom part).
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Rinse the tooth gently. Use only cold water or milk to rinse the tooth. Do not scrub or use soap.
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Do not replant the tooth. This can actually damage the root and harm the chances of successful reimplantation.
What Not to Do
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Do not handle the tooth by the root.
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Do not scrub or clean the tooth excessively.
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Do not let the tooth dry out.
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Do not store the tooth in water for an extended period.
How to Store the Tooth
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The best way to store a knocked-out tooth is in the child's mouth. This keeps the tooth moist and helps to preserve the cells.
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If the child is unable or unwilling to keep the tooth in their mouth, you can place it in a small container of milk or saliva.
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Do not store the tooth in water, as this can damage the cells.
Getting to the Dentist
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Time is critical when it comes to saving a knocked-out tooth. You should see a dentist as soon as possible, ideally within 30 minutes of the injury.
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The dentist will examine the tooth and determine the best course of treatment.
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In some cases, the tooth may be able to be replanted.
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If replanting is not possible, the dentist may recommend other restorative dentistry options, such as a bridge or an implant.
Helping Your Child Heal
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It is important to keep the area clean and free of infection. The dentist will provide instructions on how to care for the area around the knocked-out tooth.
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Your child may experience some pain and swelling. Over-the-counter pain relievers can help to ease the discomfort.
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Follow the dentist's instructions carefully. This will help to ensure that your child's mouth heals properly.
Preventing Future Injuries
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Talk to your child about ways to prevent future injuries. This may include wearing a mouthguard during sports activities.
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Make sure your child gets regular dental checkups. This will help to identify and treat any potential problems early on.
By following these tips, you can increase the chances of saving your child's knocked-out tooth and restoring their smile. Remember, time is critical, so act quickly and seek professional help from a dentist as soon as possible.
Blog - Wichita, KS • Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry At Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Healy created this informative blog to assist with educating the community about various topics of pediatric dentistry. Tiny Teeth Pediatric Dentistry, 3933 N. Maize Road, Suite 200 Wichita, KS 67101 \ (316) 202-9629 \ tinyteethwichita.com \ 3/16/2025 \ Page Keywords: Pediatric Dentist Wichita KS \
Every parent dreads the moment their child loses a tooth, especially if it happens due to an accident. A knocked-out tooth can be a scary experience for both the child and the parent. However, with quick thinking and proper care, you can increase the chances of saving the tooth and restoring your child's smile.