What to Do with a Baby Knocked-Out Tooth

Baby’s teeth naturally fall out, and it’s a normal part of their dental growth. However, if your baby’s tooth falls out by accident, it can be scary for both the child and the parents. In this situation, it’s important to take action immediately to calm your baby and take some essential steps. Then, you need to see a pediatric dentist as soon as possible to check for any damage and ensure a proper healing process. In this guide, we’ll explain what to do with a baby knocked out tooth and everything else a parent needs to know. 

Is It Normal for a Baby’s Teeth to Knock Out?

Yes, it’s completely normal for your baby’s teeth to get knocked out, especially during their early years when they are learning to walk, run, and play. Accidents can happen easily during falls, sports, or rough play. Baby teeth are temporary, and they are designed to fall out eventually to make way for adult teeth. However, losing them due to injury rather than natural can be concerning for parents.

Therefore, it’s important to monitor the situation closely. If a baby’s tooth is knocked out, consulting a dentist is always a good idea to ensure there are no complications or damage to surrounding teeth and gums. The dentist can also check the development of adult teeth to make sure they come in correctly.

What Should I Do If My Baby’s Tooth Is Knocked Out?

There are several steps you can take to manage the situation until you can see a dentist. 

1. First of all, your baby may be upset, so staying calm will help them feel safe.
2. Then, look inside their mouth to see if there are any cuts or bleeding. 
3. If there is a lot of blood, use a clean cloth or gauze to gently press on the area.
4. If possible, try to find the knocked-out tooth.
5. Give your baby something cool to drink, and offer soft foods to help ease any discomfort. You can also apply an ice pack to reduce swelling.
6. Finally, contact a dentist to make sure there’s no damage to other teeth or the mouth.

What Are the Risks of Leaving a Baby Knocked Out Tooth Untreated?

First, the gap left by the missing tooth can make it harder for them to chew food properly. This may lead to changes in their eating habits, which can affect their nutrition. Additionally, the surrounding teeth might start to shift into the empty space, causing misalignment. This can result in issues with their bite and may require orthodontic treatment in the future.

Moreover, untreated gaps in a child’s mouth can increase the risk of infections. The exposed gums can become infected if bacteria enter the area, leading to pain and swelling. Infections can also affect other teeth and the overall health of your child. It is essential to visit a dentist after a baby’s tooth is knocked out to ensure proper healing and to prevent any complications down the line. Taking care of your child’s dental health early on will help them maintain a healthy smile as they grow.

Can My Child Get a Dental Implant for a Missing Tooth?

Dental implants or any cosmetic dentistry services are not suitable for a baby’s knocked-out tooth. Implants are designed to replace missing adult teeth and require a fully developed jawbone to support them. Since a child’s jaw is still growing, placing an implant would interfere with the development of their adult teeth and jaw.

Instead, if a baby’s tooth is knocked out, it’s important to visit a dentist to check for any damage and ensure proper healing. The focus should be on keeping the surrounding teeth and gums healthy until the adult teeth come in. Moreover, if your regular dentist isn’t available, you can reach out to an emergency dentist to handle the problem.

Why Should I Visit a Dentist for My Baby Knocked Out Tooth?

Even though baby teeth will eventually be replaced by adult teeth, seeing a dentist ensures everything heals properly and avoids future problems. But in order to help you understand why it’s necessary to visit a dentist right away, we have listed the ways a dentist helps your child restore their oral health.

• The dentist can make sure there’s no harm to the surrounding teeth, gums, or the developing adult tooth.
• If the gums are injured, there’s a risk of infection. The dentist can clean the area and give advice on keeping it healthy.
• If your baby is in pain or uncomfortable, the dentist can suggest ways to manage it and help your baby feel better.
• Your dentist can explain what to expect next, including how the missing tooth may affect speech, chewing, or the development of adult teeth.

You may be concerned about your child’s tooth that is knocked out and missing in their mouth. However, as mentioned before, you should know that their adult tooth will still eventually grow in and take its place. Baby teeth are temporary and are meant to fall out to make way for permanent adult teeth. 

What Not to Do If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out?

While there are essential steps you should take to calm your child and protect their dental health, there are several things to avoid. Otherwise, you may worsen the situation. 

• Do not put the tooth back in: Unlike adult teeth, a knocked-out baby tooth should not be placed back into the gum, as this can harm the adult tooth developing beneath it.
• Avoid using harsh cleaning methods: Don’t scrub the area or use strong mouthwashes immediately. Instead, gently rinse the mouth with water if needed.
• Don’t ignore bleeding: If there is significant bleeding, apply gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze. If bleeding continues, seek medical attention.
• Don’t wait too long to see a dentist: Even though it’s a baby tooth, it’s important to consult a dentist promptly to check for any damage to the surrounding teeth and gums.

Final Word

All in all, what you should do as a parent when your baby’s tooth is knocked out is to stay calm and take the right steps to keep them safe and comfortable. Taking quick action can prevent problems and ensure your child’s dental health remains on track.

At Dentistry on Gloucester, we care for your baby and their dental health. Our friendly pediatric dentistry services are designed to make your child feel comfortable and safe during their visits. We also offer emergency dental services to address any urgent needs that may arise. So please count on us to take care of your baby’s teeth!

FAQs

How urgent is it to see a dentist if my child’s baby tooth is knocked out?

It is important to see a dentist as soon as possible after your child’s baby tooth is knocked out. While it may not be as urgent as a situation involving an adult tooth, a dentist can check for any damage to the surrounding teeth and gums. Prompt attention can help prevent complications and ensure your child’s dental health remains on track.

Can you save a knocked-out baby tooth?

In most cases, a knocked-out baby tooth cannot be saved and reinserted. Unlike adult teeth, baby teeth are more fragile and designed to fall out naturally. If the tooth is found, it’s best not to attempt to put it back in the socket, as this could harm the developing adult tooth beneath it. Instead, focus on visiting a dentist to ensure there are no other injuries and to discuss the best care for your child’s mouth after the accident.

What age is appropriate for dental implants?

Dental implants are generally appropriate for individuals who have finished growing, which usually happens around the age of 18 to 21 for most people. The reason for this is that dental implants require a fully developed jawbone for proper placement and stability.