It’s a Saturday afternoon, your child is playing their team sport and all of a sudden get’s an injury to their face.  Upon further look you notice a tooth knocked out.  What do you do?  Unfortunately injuries to the mouth and teeth are common in children, in fact the American Academy of Pediatrics states 30% of children will experience a dental injury by the age of 14.  Prevention and knowing what to do in these scenarios are key to stopping permanent damage to your little one’s mouth.

What do I do if the tooth knocked out is a baby tooth?

If your child’s baby tooth gets knocked out here are some steps to follow.

• • First find the tooth.  This is to make sure it isn’t in their mouth leading to a choking hazard.
  • Gently place pressure on the gum tissue to stop any bleeding.  
  • DO NOT place the baby tooth back in the mouth as to avoid damage to the permanent tooth that is forming below.
  • If it looks like there was any damage done to the surrounding tissues (gums, cheek, lips, bone) go to the emergency room to rule out any fractures or tooth fragments lodged in the soft tissues.  
  • Make the appointment with your child’s dentist to further evaluate the need for treatment and don’t forget to bring the tooth.  The dentist may take an X-ray to evaluate the extent of the injury.  If the tooth was lost extremely premature then a device to maintain space or for esthetics may be recommended.

What do I do if the tooth knocked out is a permanent tooth?

This is a trickier situation as the permanent tooth can and should be saved.  The sooner the tooth can be placed back in its place, think within 30 minutes, the better chance of that tooth surviving.  

• • First make sure to pick up/touch only the top portion (crown) of the tooth.  This is the part that is usually visible in the mouth.  Avoid touching the root portion of the tooth.
  • Exam the tooth and if there is any debris or dirt on the root then gently rinse with cool water. 
  • DO NOT wipe/scrub the tooth and avoid any soap or cleaner. 
  • Gently reinsert it in the space of the missing tooth, known as the socket.  
  • Have your child slowly bite down on it as you hold it in place with your finger.
  • Let them bite down on paper towels or a washcloth until you can reach your dentist.
  • If you are uncomfortable or your child won’t let you put the tooth back then store the tooth in milk.
  • DO NOT use water to store the tooth.
  • DO NOT use milk substitutes such as almond or oat milk.
  • If you do not have milk available find a container to put the tooth in and spit into it until the tooth is covered with saliva.
  • REMEMBER to keep the tooth moist and prevent it from drying out.

 

How do I prevent a knocked out tooth

Preventing damage to teeth is important. Here are some tips to help your child avoid an injury:

• • Do NOT open objects such as bottles, plastic or use your teeth to cut string/fishing lines. 
  • Avoid rough housing or activities with high risks of falling, such as trampolines.  
  • Have your child wear a mouthguard if they play sports where there is a high chance of physical contact or high velocity contact, such as ball to the face.
  • Check that their mouthguard is snug and fits properly and fits on the top teeth (maxilla) and covers the gum tissue to help reduce risk to the teeth, gums, lips and cheeks. 
  • Make sure it is free of any sharp or rough edges. 

Sometimes its unavoidable to have a tooth knocked out.  Remember to remain calm and rely on this new knowledge as well as your dental provider to get you through this stressful event!