Chipped or Knocked-Out Tooth? What Parents Need to Know — and When to Call Tebo Dental

One thing we can all agree on is that kids are full of energy!  With all that running and jumping, the occasional bump, fall, or tumble is bound to happen on the playground, during sports, or even right at home.  Dental injuries like chipped or knocked-out teeth are more common than you might realize; however, the key is knowing how to stay calm and act quickly.  Responding to these situations appropriately can make all the difference in protecting your child’s smile. 

At Tebo Dental, we are here to help guide you through those expected tooth troubles with confidence.  In this guide, we will cover what to do if your child chips or knocks out a tooth and when it is time to contact our team for immediate care.

Chipped Tooth

A chipped tooth may not always seem like an emergency at first, but even a small chip can lead to bigger problems, including sensitivity, discomfort, or decay if left untreated.

What to Do Immediately:

1. Stay Calm and Reassure Your Child
   A chipped tooth can be unsettling, especially if the area is bleeding or your child is in pain.  The most important thing you can do in the moment is stay calm and speak gently to help ease their fear and discomfort.
2. Rinse the Mouth with Warm Water
   This helps clean the affected area and remove any debris.
3. Check for Any Loose Pieces of the Tooth
   If you find a broken fragment of the tooth, place it in milk or a saline solution to preserve it.  Be sure to bring it with you to your dental appointment, as your dentist may be able to reattach it.
4. Apply a Cold Compress
   If your child has swelling or discomfort, apply a cold compress to the outside of their cheek to help reduce pain and inflammation.
5. Contact Tebo Dental to Make an Appointment
   Even if the chip looks minor, it is important to have a dentist evaluate the tooth. Sharp edges of the tooth can irritate the tongue or cheek, and exposed dentin can lead to increased sensitivity or decay.

Permanent Tooth is Knocked Out (Avulsed Tooth)

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a serious dental emergency that requires an immediate response.  Acting quickly greatly improves the chances of saving the tooth.

What to Do Immediately:

1. Find the Tooth
   Pick it up by the crown (the chewing surface), not the root. Touching the root can damage the tissue needed for reattachment.
2. Rinse It Gently (If Dirty)
   Use water only—do not scrub the tooth or use any kind of soap or chemicals on it.
3. Try to Reinsert the Tooth (If Possible)
   Carefully place the tooth back into the socket. Have your child gently bite down on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
4. If You Can’t Reinsert the Tooth, Keep It Moist
   Place the tooth in:
   • A glass of milk (best option)
   • Saline solution
   • Your child’s saliva in a clean container
   • A tooth preservation kit if available
5. See a Dentist Immediately
   Time is crucial. Ideally, you should get to the dentist within 30 minutes of the injury for the best chance of saving the tooth.

Baby Tooth is Knocked Out

Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth are not usually reimplanted. Trying to put a baby tooth back in its socket can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.

What to Do:

• Have your child rinse their mouth with warm water.
• Apply gauze to stop any bleeding.
• Use a cold compress to reduce swelling.
• Call Tebo Dental right away to make an appointment. We will assess whether further treatment is needed and ensure the surrounding teeth and gums are healthy.

When to Call Tebo Dental

Contact us right away is you notice any of the following:

• The tooth has been completely knocked out (especially if it is a permanent tooth)
• The tooth is loose, cracked, or broken
• Your child is experiencing significant pain or bleeding that will not stop
• There is visible swelling or trauma to the mouth, lips, or face
• You are not sure whether the tooth is a baby tooth or permanent tooth

At Tebo Dental, our team is trained in pediatric dental emergencies and can guide you through every step, even after hours.

Preventing Future Dental Injuries

While accidents cannot be completely prevented, there are some steps you can take to help protect your child’s smile:

• Make sure your child wears a mouthguard during sports and physical activities.
• Baby proof your home, especially for toddlers who are just learning to walk.
• Encourage safe play and teach children not to use their teeth as tools (e.g., opening packages or biting hard objects).

Tebo Dental Is Here for You and Your Family

Dental injuries can be stressful, but you are not alone. At Tebo Dental, our caring team is here to provide gentle, expert care when your child needs it most. If your child chips or knocks out a tooth, do not hesitate to call us right away so we can help preserve their smile and prevent future complications.

Have an emergency or need guidance? Contact Tebo Dental today. We are just a call away when it matters most.