Skip to main content
    |By Dr. Samita Gumber

    What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

    A knocked-out (avulsed) permanent tooth is a dental emergency that requires immediate action. If treated within 30 minutes, there is a good chance the tooth can be successfully reimplanted. For a baby tooth, reimplantation is not recommended, but you should still see a dentist promptly to check for damage to the developing permanent tooth underneath.

    Call Growing Smiles Children's Dentistry immediately at 519-800-4500 for same-day emergency appointments.

    If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out

    The Ontario Dental Association provides the following guidance for dental emergencies:

    Step 1: Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root. Touching the root can damage cells needed for reimplantation.

    Step 2: If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently. Use milk or saline solution. Do not scrub the tooth, use soap, or wrap it in tissue.

    Step 3: Try to reinsert the tooth into the socket. Have your child gently bite down on a clean cloth to hold it in place. This is the best way to preserve the tooth.

    Step 4: If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist. Place it in:

    • A glass of cold milk (best option)
    • Your child's saliva (have them hold it gently against their cheek if they are old enough)
    • Saline solution

    "Do not store the tooth in water. Water can damage the root surface cells."

    — Ontario Dental Association, Dental Emergencies

    Step 5: Get to a dentist within 30 minutes. The faster you act, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

    If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out

    According to the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, a knocked-out baby tooth should not be reimplanted because doing so could damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. However, you should:

    • Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to stop any bleeding
    • Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling
    • See your pediatric dentist as soon as possible to assess for damage to surrounding teeth and gums

    Other Dental Emergencies in Children

    The Canadian Dental Association and ODA recommend seeking prompt dental care for:

    • Toothache — rinse with warm water, apply a cold compress, and call your dentist. Do not place aspirin on the gum.
    • Chipped or broken tooth — save any pieces, rinse the mouth with warm water, apply a cold compress, and see your dentist.
    • Bitten lip or tongue with significant bleeding — apply firm but gentle pressure with a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop after 15 minutes, go to the emergency room.
    • Object stuck between teeth — try to gently remove with dental floss. Do not use sharp instruments.

    Be Prepared

    The ODA recommends keeping a small dental emergency kit at home and in your child's sports bag:

    • Dentist's phone number (Growing Smiles: 519-800-4500)
    • Small container with a lid (for storing a knocked-out tooth in milk)
    • Clean gauze
    • Cold pack

    Emergency Dental Care at Growing Smiles

    Growing Smiles Children's Dentistry offers same-day emergency appointments for children at both our LaSalle (1400 Front Rd) and Windsor (6925 Enterprise Way, Unit 2) locations. Dr. Gumber's specialized training in pediatric dentistry includes managing dental trauma specific to children's developing teeth.

    Call 519-800-4500 immediately if your child has a dental emergency.

    Sources: Ontario Dental Association — Dental Emergencies, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry — Parent FAQ, Canadian Dental Association — Dental Care for Children