A dental injury can happen in seconds. A fall on the playground. A swing to the mouth during sports. A rough tumble at home. We’ve seen every version of a child knocked out tooth here at Woodbridge Dental Centre, and we know how stressful it feels for parents. The good news? With quick, calm action, you can protect your child’s smile and improve the chances of saving the tooth—especially if it’s a permanent one.
Dr. Michael Rouhi often says, “Parents don’t need to be dental experts. They just need to know the first few steps. Those steps can make all the difference.” Below, we walk you through what to do, how to do it safely, and when to get emergency pediatric dental care right away.
Understanding the Difference: Baby Tooth vs Adult Tooth
Not every kid’s dental injury needs the same care. Knowing what type of tooth came out helps guide your next steps.
Baby tooth
● Do not try to place the tooth back in the socket.
● Keep the area clean and apply gentle pressure if bleeding.
● Call us for a kids dental emergency appointment so we can check the surrounding teeth and gums.
Adult (permanent) tooth
● Time matters. The best chance for tooth reimplantation for children is within 30 minutes.
● Handle the tooth carefully and follow the steps below.
Dr. Sandra Farber explains, “Parents are often surprised that a permanent tooth can sometimes be saved. But it’s all about how the tooth is handled and how fast you reach a dentist.”
Step-by-Step First Aid for a Knocked-Out Permanent Tooth
When a child tooth is knocked out, here’s the simple, safe way to respond.
Stay calm. Your child will look to you for reassurance. A calm tone helps them stay still and reduces bleeding.
Find the tooth. Pick it up by the crown (the white part). Avoid touching the root.
Rinse lightly. If the tooth is dirty, give it a quick rinse with milk or clean water. No scrubbing. No soap.
Try to reinsert. If your child is old enough and calm enough, place the tooth back in the socket and have them bite gently on gauze. This step gives the highest success for saving a knocked-out tooth.
If you can’t reinsert it:
● Place it in a small container with milk.
● Or tuck it between your child’s gums and cheek (only if old enough not to swallow).
● Or use a tooth preservation kit if you have one.
Call an emergency pediatric dentist near you.
Reach Woodbridge Dental Centre right away. Tell us that your child knocked out a tooth so we can prepare for immediate care.
Control bleeding
Use gentle pressure with a clean cloth or gauze.
Protect the area
Have your child avoid eating, drinking hot liquids, or touching the area with their fingers.
When Tooth Reimplantation Is Possible
Reimplantation may be successful when:
● The tooth is permanent
● The tooth is handled correctly
● The socket is intact
● Your child reaches us quickly
In our experience, we’ve seen many cases where fast parent action gave a child their full smile back. Once, a family from Vaughan arrived with their child’s tooth in milk within 20 minutes of the injury. Because they acted so quickly, we were able to reimplant and stabilize the tooth with a splint.
When Tooth Reimplantation Is Not Recommended
● Baby teeth
● Severely damaged or contaminated teeth
● Injuries with high risk of swallowing or choking
In these cases, our focus shifts to protecting the developing permanent teeth underneath and planning next steps for long-term oral health.
Signs Your Child Needs Immediate Dental Trauma Care
Call for urgent dental care for kids if you notice:
● A knocked-out permanent tooth
● Severe pain or swelling
● Bleeding that won’t stop
● A loose or pushed-in tooth
● Lip or gum cuts that may need repair
How Pediatric Dentists Treat Knocked-Out Teeth
At Woodbridge Dental Centre, our emergency response may include:
● Assessing the socket and surrounding teeth
● Cleaning the area safely
● Tooth reimplantation and positioning
● Placing a stabilization splint
● Checking for jaw or tissue injury
● Follow-up visits to monitor healing
For baby teeth, we assess for any damage to the adult tooth bud and make sure the area heals properly.
How to Lower the Risk of Dental Injuries
Simple habits help protect kids from future injuries.
● Use mouthguards for sports
● Keep play areas clear of hazards
● Teach kids not to run with objects in their mouths
● Schedule regular dental checkups so we can monitor vulnerable tooth areas
As Dr. Rouhi puts it, “Prevention doesn’t remove all accidents, but it reduces how often we see serious trauma.”
Quick Parent Checklist for a Knocked-Out Tooth
● Find the tooth
● Handle by the crown
● Rinse gently
● Reinsert if possible
● If not, store in milk
● Call a same-day pediatric dentist
● Keep pressure on the area
● Stay with your child and keep them calm
Need Help Now? Woodbridge Dental Centre Is Here for You
If your child’s tooth was knocked out, call us right away. Our team supports parents across Woodbridge, Maple, and Vaughan with fast, compassionate emergency care. We prioritize children in urgent situations and help you get the answers and treatment you need without delay.
For immediate assistance or a child dental injury first aid question, contact Woodbridge Dental Centre. We’re here to help your child feel safe, cared for, and on the path to a healthy recovery.
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