Accidents happen—especially with active kids. A knocked-out tooth can be stressful for both children and parents, but quick action can make all the difference. At Bee Happy Pediatric Dentistry in Newton, MA, our pediatric emergency team is here to guide you through this situation step by step.
Step 1: Stay Calm
Your child will take cues from your emotions. Speak softly, offer reassurance, and let them know you’ll take care of it. Remaining calm makes the situation easier to manage.
Step 2: Assess the Situation
Check for injuries beyond the missing tooth:
- Look for bleeding and have your child bite gently on clean gauze to control it.
- Check the mouth for broken tooth fragments or other damage.
- Note any swelling, jaw pain, or facial trauma that may require immediate attention.
Step 3: Find the Tooth
If you can locate the tooth:
- Hold it by the crown (the visible white part)—never the root.
- If dirty, rinse gently with cool water. Do not scrub, dry, or use soap.
- Do not wrap the tooth in tissue or cloth.
Step 4: Store the Tooth Properly
If you cannot place the tooth back in the socket, keep it moist:
- Place it in cold milk, saline solution, or your child’s saliva.
- Avoid plain water—it can damage root cells needed for reattachment.
Proper storage increases the chance your pediatric emergency dentist can save the tooth.
Step 5: Seek Emergency Dental Care Immediately
Time is critical. Try to see a pediatric dentist in Newton within 30–60 minutes. Call Bee Happy Pediatric Dentistry right away—we’ll guide you on what to do until you arrive.
What to Expect at the Dentist’s Office
When you arrive, our pediatric team will:
- Evaluate whether the tooth can be reimplanted.
- Check for other injuries such as jaw trauma or nerve damage.
- Recommend a space maintainer if reimplantation isn’t possible.
- Discuss long-term restorative options when appropriate.
Comfort Your Child
After the emergency, your child may feel anxious or upset. Offer reassurance, and once stabilized, distract them with a favorite activity. Remind them that accidents happen and their smile can be restored.
Preventing Future Accidents
- Have your child wear a mouthguard during sports and physical play.
- Encourage safe play habits to reduce injury risk.
- Schedule preventive checkups to keep teeth strong.
Strengthen Teeth Through Good Dental Habits
Strong teeth are more resistant to trauma. Support your child with:
- Brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste
- Daily flossing
- Limiting sugary snacks and drinks
- Routine visits to our Newton pediatric dental office
Need a Pediatric Emergency Dentist in Newton, MA?
A knocked-out tooth can be scary, but quick action can save your child’s smile. At Bee Happy Pediatric Dentistry, we provide immediate emergency care to protect growing smiles.
Call us today or request an emergency appointment online. Our caring Newton dental team is here when your child needs us most.
FAQs: Knocked-Out Teeth in Children
- Should I put my child’s baby tooth back in?
- No—baby teeth should not be replanted. Contact our pediatric emergency team for guidance.
- What liquid should I store a knocked-out tooth in?
- Milk, saline solution, or your child’s saliva. Avoid plain water.
- How soon should I see a dentist after a tooth is knocked out?
- Within 30–60 minutes is ideal for the best chance of saving the tooth.
- Will my child need braces or implants if the tooth cannot be saved?
- If reimplantation isn’t possible, we may use a space maintainer and discuss future restorative options.