What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Baby Tooth

Active kids take tumbles, and sometimes a fall or bump knocks out a baby tooth. It can be alarming, but knowing what to do, and what not to do, helps you stay calm and protect your child. Importantly, a knocked-out baby tooth is handled differently than an adult tooth. Here is your guide.

Do not try to reinsert a baby tooth

This is the key difference to understand. Unlike a permanent tooth, a knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back into the socket. Attempting to reinsert it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. So while it may feel instinctive to push it back in, that is not recommended for baby teeth.

What to do instead

• Stay calm and comfort your child
• Gently rinse their mouth with water
• Control any bleeding with light pressure from clean gauze
• Use a cold compress to ease swelling
• Call your dentist to have your child seen

Why see the dentist

Even though the tooth will not be replaced, your dentist should check the area to make sure no fragments remain, the surrounding teeth are unharmed, and the developing permanent tooth is not affected. They can also advise on any care needed while the area heals.

How it differs from an adult tooth

If a permanent tooth is ever knocked out, the situation is urgent: keep it moist in milk, handle it by the crown, and see a dentist immediately, as it may be saved by reinserting it quickly. Knowing this distinction helps you respond correctly depending on your child's age and which tooth is involved.

Prevention

For active kids and young athletes, a mouthguard offers valuable protection against dental injuries. Ask us about one at your next visit.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put a knocked-out baby tooth back in?

No. Unlike a permanent tooth, a baby tooth should not be reinserted, as it can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.

What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?

Comfort your child, rinse their mouth, control bleeding with gentle pressure, use a cold compress, and call your dentist to have them seen.

How is this different for a permanent tooth?

A knocked-out permanent tooth is urgent: keep it moist in milk, handle it by the crown, and see a dentist immediately, as it may be saved.

If your child has knocked out a tooth or had a mouth injury, contact Maricopa Dental Center and we will guide you on the next steps and get them seen.