What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth: Emergency Care for Kids -

This is a collaborative post

Accidents and traumatic injuries are common, especially with active kids. One minute they’re playing, and the next moment, any fall can hit their face or jaw, and maybe a tooth can be knocked out, which is also known as an avulsed tooth. As a parent, it’s natural to panic, but staying calm and taking immediate action can make all the difference in saving your child’s tooth.

If a dental emergency happens and a tooth is knocked out, then there’s no need to worry. Immediately consult with a trained Dentist in London to handle the situation like a pro. They completely guide you to take immediate steps to increase the chance of tooth vitality and reduce future dental complications.

Step 1: Stay Calm and Assess the Situation

First thing is, don’t panic! Your child will look to you for reassurance. Check for any serious injuries (like head trauma or excessive ear or nose bleeding). If the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth, the emergency isn’t as urgent, but if it’s a permanent tooth then time is critical.

Is It a Baby Tooth or a Permanent Tooth?

Baby teeth (primary teeth): Dental surgeons usually avoid re-implanting primary teeth because they can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath.
Permanent teeth: Immediate action is needed; the sooner you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth. Expert Dentists in London commonly observe during practice that the avulsed tooth that is reimplanted within 30 minutes shows the greatest successful outcome.

Step 2: Handle the Tooth Properly

If it’s a permanent tooth, follow these steps carefully:

Pick it up by the crown (chewing part), NOT the root. Touching the root can damage delicate tissues needed for reattachment.
Rinse gently with milk or saline solution—avoid water, if possible, as it can harm the root cells.
Try to reinsert it into the socket (if your child is cooperative). Hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze while heading to the dentist.

If reinsertion isn’t possible, store the tooth in:

Milk (best option)
Saliva (have your child spit into a clean container)
A tooth preservation kit (if available)

PARENTS SHOULD AVOID:

Letting the tooth dry out: Do not immediately put the tooth, immediately deep into the milk or saliva
Scrubbing or using soap: Cleaning and rubbing with a hand can damage supporting fibres
Storing in water can damage root cells. Due to the difference in the PH of water and periodontal fibres (root supporting fibre), water can damage the avulsed tooth root.

Step 3: Control Bleeding and Pain

Apply gentle pressure with a clean gauze or cloth to stop bleeding.
Use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce swelling.
Over-the-counter pain relief (like children’s ibuprofen) can help reduce inflammation and pain in kids.

Step 4: See an Emergency Dentist in London IMMEDIATELY

Time is crucial; the best chance of saving the tooth is within 30 minutes to an hour. Call your nearest emergency dentist in London right away and book same-day emergency slots for kids.

How Dentists Professionally Manage a Knocked-Out Tooth?

If your kid faces a dental emergency, immediately visit your nearby emergency dental care centre. Dentists in London are well equipped and trained in the professional management of knock-out tooth situations by:

1. Assessment & Cleaning

An expert dentist in London first performs a detailed Check-up of jaw and facial bone, to diagnose any fracture, soft tissue damage and other injuries.
Then clean the tooth and socket carefully to avoid infection.

2. Replantation (For Permanent Teeth)

If the tooth is intact, the dentist will reinsert it and splint it to neighbouring teeth for stability.
A flexible wire or composite material holds it in place for 7-10 days.

3. Root Canal Treatment (If needed)

After 7 – 14 days, when the tooth attained its initial stability, the dentist checks the tooth vitality; if the tooth is non-vital or the tooth or nerve dies due to delayed reimplant then performs root canal treatment to avoid infection.

4. Follow-Up Care

During follow-up dentist recommends

Soft diet for a few days (avoid hard/crunchy foods).
Antibiotics (if infection risk is high).
X-rays to monitor healing.

What If It’s a Baby Tooth?

If a baby tooth is knocked out: Keep calm, it’s usually not an emergency. Visit a pediatric dentist in London to ensure no damage to the permanent tooth underneath.

The dentist may recommend:

A space maintainer (if the tooth was lost prematurely)
Maintain regular dental visits to monitor the permanent teeth’s development and eruption.

Tips from Dentists to Prevent Tooth Injuries

Accidents can’t always be avoided, but you can reduce risks:

Use a Mouthguard

Essential for sports (football, rugby, basketball).
Consult your nearby paediatric dentist in London for the fabrication of Custom-fit guards for the best teeth protection for your kid.

Childproof Your Home

Pad sharp corners.
Use non-slip mats in play areas.

Teach Safe Play Habits

No running near pools or hard floors.
Avoid chewing on hard objects (ice, pens).

Regular Dental Check-Ups

Helps spot weak teeth or alignment issues early.

How to Find an Emergency Kids’ Dentist in London

Not all dentists handle emergencies, so it’s good to know where to go. Look for:

24/7 emergency dental services
Paediatric dentists (specialised in kids’ dental care) with experience in dental emergency treatment.
Good reviews from other parents
NHS Urgent Dental Care – Call 111 for same-day emergency slots.

Private emergency Dentists in London also specialise in kids’ emergencies and provide immediate care because time is crucial in knock-out tooth treatment.

Conclusion

A knocked-out tooth can be scary, but quick action can save your child’s smile. Remember, stay calm and handle the tooth properly. Reinsert or store it in milk/saliva. See an emergency dentist in London ASAP. Stay prepared, save your dentist’s emergency number. Act fast, permanent teeth have the best survival rate if treated within an hour. Prevent future accidents with mouthguards and safety measures.

“Quick action can save your kid’s tooth—stay calm, act fast, and get to a dentist!”