Contact your dentist as soon as possible.  We do not re-implant baby teeth but it is important to examine your child to be sure no fragments of tooth are embedded in the gums, lip or tongue, as well as determine the extent of trauma to other teeth in the area.  Bring along the knocked out tooth.

What should I do if my child's BABY tooth is knocked out?

Find the tooth! Hold the tooth by the crown (top) an rinse it gently using only cool water.  Do NOT scrub it or clean with soap - JUST WATER!  If possible, replace the tooth back in the socket and hold it there with clean gauze or a washcloth.  If you can't put the tooth back in the socket, place the tooth in a clean container with milk or water.  Milk is the best choice.  Call your dentist immediately.  Teeth that have been knocked out will almost always require a root canal, but they can often survive for years if treated promptly.  The faster you act, the better your chances of saving the tooth.

What should I do if my child's ADULT tooth is knocked out?

Contact your dentist immediately to determine if the fracture requires immediate attention.  Rinse your child's mouth with room temperature water and apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling.  If you can find the broken tooth fragment, bring it with you to the dentist.  A fragment can often be bonded back onto the tooth.  Even without the broken piece, a dentist can restore the tooth to its natural appearance with bonding.

What if a tooth is chipped or fractured?

Clean the area around the sore tooth thoroughly by rinsing your child's mouth with water and flossing & brushing away any trapped food.  Give your child an over-the-counter pain reliever approved by your pediatrician.  Visit your dentist promptly.  If there is any swelling in your child's gums or face, call your dentist immediately.

What if my child has a toothache?

Yes.  First, reduce oral injury in sports and recreation activities by having your child wear a helmet and/or mouth guard when warranted.  Second, always use a car seat for young children.  Require seat belts for everyone else in the car.  Third, childproof your home to prevent falls, electrical injuries, and choking on small objects.  Fourth, protect your child from unnecessary toothaches with regular dental visits and preventive care.

How to prevent dental injuries

When the tooth is exfoliating (being pushed out by the permanent tooth).  Teeth naturally fall out as their roots are resorbed or dissolved away by an erupting permanent tooth.  This process can cause the baby tooth to change color and get extremely loose.  Loose teeth are often uncomfortable to brush or eat with.  Though not an emergency, if your child is uncomfortable with a loose tooth, you can make an appointment and bring them in to be checked.

When is a tooth falling out not an emergency?