Children are prone to accidents and injuries, so it’s not uncommon for dental injuries to occur. If your child has knocked out one of their teeth, get them to their pediatric dentist as soon as possible. Before you go, however, follow this guide to save their tooth and ensure your child has a smooth healing process.

4 Steps to Take When Your Child Has Knocked Out Their Tooth

1. Comfort Your Child

When your child knocks out a tooth, they may be scared to go to the dentist. If they’re upset, calm them down so you can take care of their wound. Reassure them that everything will be okay, and give them an ice pack to apply on the outside of their cheek to help with the pain.

2. Stop the Bleeding

Once your child has calmed down, gently rinse debris from the tooth socket with warm water, then have your child bite down on sterilized gauze or a clean washcloth to stop the bleeding. If you give your child pain relievers, don’t use aspirin, ibuprofen, or other NSAIDs because these will increase the bleeding. Use children’s Tylenol® instead.

3. Find & Protect the Tooth

When you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown to avoid damaging the root and gently rinse off any dirt or debris. Place the tooth in a cup of milk to preserve the root tissue and keep it from drying out, which will help with reattachment.

4. Call Your Pediatric Dentist

Call your child’s pediatric dentist to schedule an appointment for immediate emergency dental care. Describe the accident, how long ago it occurred, if you were able to find the tooth, and the state the tooth was in, whether the root is intact or if the tooth is broken. If your child gets to a clinic quickly enough, a dentist may be able to reattach a knocked out tooth. After 30 minutes, the chances of saving the tooth drop.

If your child injures their tooth or knocks it out, contact the pediatric dentists at Honolulu Keiki Dental. Since 2009, the practice has been voted the leading children’s dentist in Hawaii by Honolulu Magazine because of their fun environment and comprehensive care, including restorative, emergency, preventive, and orthodontic services. View their FAQ online, and call (808) 944-1603 to schedule an appointment.