60. What should I do if my child knocks out a tooth?

If your child knocks out a tooth, acting quickly can make a big difference, especially for permanent teeth. Here’s what to do:

-Stay calm and reassure your child – Accidents happen, and keeping them calm helps
-Find the tooth – Pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root
-Rinse gently – Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but don’t scrub or remove any tissue
-Try to preserve it
-Place the tooth back in the socket if possible, or
-Keep it in milk or a tooth preservation kit (available at many pharmacies)
-Seek dental care immediately – Contact your pediatric dentist right away; permanent teeth may be saved if treated quickly

Important: Baby teeth are usually not re-implanted, but it’s still important to see a dentist to check for injury and prevent infection.