How to Save a Child's Knocked-Out Tooth

If your child knocks out a tooth, it is a dental emergency. You will need to work quickly to save the tooth and get the child to the emergency room, dentist or oral surgeon as soon as possible. It is important to know what to do ahead of time, so that you can clean and save the tooth for safe travel to the hospital. Do not place the tooth in water, which can damage it.

Instructions

• 1

  Clean any dirt or debris from the tooth and its roots by gently wiping it with a clean cloth or paper towel. Do not scrub or rub too hard to avoid damaging the roots. Teeth can be saved and reinserted in most instances.

• 2

  Place the tooth back into the socket that it was knocked out of if possible. Hold the tooth in place until you arrive at the hospital emergency room, dentist or oral surgeon. It may not be possible for a small child to carry the tooth in his or her mouth because they may accidentally swallow the tooth.

• 3

  Place the tooth between the gums and the lips of the child who lost it if you can't return it to the original socket. This is the second best place to carry the tooth safely to the emergency room.

• 4

  Place the tooth in a glass of milk if the child cannot carry the tooth in her mouth.

• 5

  Place the tooth in the mouth of a parent or another person if no other options are available. It is not the preferred method, but it will work.

• 6

  Go to the emergency room of the nearest hospital as quickly as possible. Contact your dentist, orthodontist or oral surgeon if necessary.