How to Deal with a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth

If your toddler takes a tumble and knocks out a baby tooth, here's how to keep your cool, calm your kid, and avert a dental disaster.

: Seek emergency treatment if your child has more than a tooth injury or symptoms like unusual discoloration, dizziness, or severe pain.
Step 1: Apply direct pressure Apply direct pressure to your child's gum with the gauze or washcloth to stop any bleeding. If they're upset and crying, do whatever you know will help them calm down.
TIP: If your child is old enough to understand, have them bite down on the gauze or washcloth to apply more pressure.
Step 2: Check for swelling Apply an ice pack to your child's mouth to reduce swelling.
Step 3: Save the tooth Find the knocked-out tooth and gently rinse it in water. Place it in a plastic bag because your dentist may want to examine it.
TIP: If you suspect your child has swallowed the lost tooth, don't panic. It will pass through their body.
Step 4: Call your child's dentist Call a dentist and schedule a visit as soon as possible so they can take x-rays to check for tooth fragments or any serious damage that might affect your child's permanent teeth.
TIP: Most dentists will not re-implant the baby tooth because it may cause damage to developing permanent teeth.
Step 5: Put your child on a soft diet Have your child eat only soft foods for 48 to 72 hours or for as long your dentist recommends.
FACT: Sharks lose up to 30,000 teeth over a lifetime.