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First Aid

Kids' Dental Emergency Helper

Pick what happened to see the first-aid steps, in order. For a knocked-out adult tooth, every minute counts, so start with the steps and call on the way.

Start Here

Updated October 25, 2026 · Free to use · Bookmark it for later

Young child holding a hand to a sore cheek
911Head injury, trouble breathing, or bleeding that won't stop
MilkCarry a knocked-out adult tooth in milk (ADA)
NeverPut a knocked-out baby tooth back in
(704) 479-6777Alpine Pediatric Dentistry, Lincolnton
Call 911 first for a head injury, a child who passed out or is confused, trouble breathing or swallowing, or bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure.

What Happened?

Tooth Knocked Out

Baby tooth or adult tooth? Adult front teeth usually come in between 6 and 8 years. When unsure, do not put it back in: keep it in milk and call right away.

Baby Tooth

  1. Do not put it back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the adult tooth underneath.
  2. Rinse the mouth gently with water.
  3. Hold a cold compress on the outside of the cheek or lip.
  4. Call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry so a dentist checks the mouth.

Adult Tooth: Act Fast

  1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the top (the crown), not the root.
  2. Keep it moist at all times.
  3. Try to place it back in the socket without touching the root, and have the child hold it there.
  4. If it will not go back in, put it in a small container of milk.
  5. Get to a dentist right away. Most teeth replant well when they are back in place within 30 minutes.

Chipped or Broken Tooth

  1. Rinse the mouth right away with warm water to clean the area.
  2. Hold a cold compress on the face to keep swelling down.
  3. Call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry to have the tooth checked.

Toothache

  1. Rinse the mouth with warm water.
  2. Gently floss to remove any food caught between the teeth.
  3. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or the gums.
  4. Call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry. Swelling of the face, fever, or pain that keeps a child awake needs a same-day call.

Bitten Lip or Tongue

  1. Clean the area gently with water.
  2. Hold a cold compress on it.
  3. Bleeding that does not stop with firm pressure needs 911 or the emergency room.

Something Stuck Between Teeth

  1. Gently try to remove it with dental floss.
  2. Do not use anything sharp or pointed.
  3. If it will not come out, call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry.

Something Else

A loose tooth after a fall, a cap or crown that came off, or a sore that will not heal all need a dentist's look. Call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry and describe what happened.

📞 Call Alpine: (704) 479-6777

Office hours: Mon–Wed: 8:30 AM – 5:00 PM · Thu: 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM · Fri: 7:00 AM – 2:00 PM · Sat–Sun: Closed

Outside office hours, a knocked-out adult tooth or a serious mouth injury goes to the nearest emergency room.

Girl touching her cheek while talking with a dentist

Fast Help for Lincolnton Kids

Parents of Alpine patients describe getting in quickly after an accident: a broken tooth repaired before a family beach trip, and a knocked-off cap put back the very next day.

Save the number now: (704) 479-6777. Alpine Pediatric Dentistry is at 701 S Laurel St, Lincolnton.

Common Questions

Is a Knocked-Out Baby Tooth Put Back In?

No. A baby tooth is not put back in the socket, because doing so can damage the adult tooth developing underneath (StatPearls, National Library of Medicine). Call the dentist so the child's mouth gets checked.

How Is a Knocked-Out Adult Tooth Carried to the Dentist?

Back in the socket when possible, holding it by the top and not the root. When that is not possible, in a small container of milk, according to the American Dental Association. Keep the tooth moist and get to a dentist right away.

How Do Parents Tell a Baby Tooth From an Adult Tooth?

Age is the quickest clue. Adult front teeth usually come in between 6 and 8 years, according to the American Dental Association chart. Under about 6, a knocked-out front tooth is usually a baby tooth. When unsure, do not put it back in; keep it in milk and call right away.

Related Pages for Parents

ServicePediatric DentistryEmergency care for chipped teeth and toothaches. PageContact and Directions701 S Laurel St, Lincolnton, with the map. ToolBaby Teeth TimelineBaby tooth or adult tooth? Check the usual ages. ServiceDental SedationCalm care when an injury needs bigger treatment.

Sources and How This Tool Works

The steps follow the American Dental Association's dental emergencies guidance (MouthHealthy) for knocked-out adult teeth, chipped teeth, bitten lips and tongues, objects caught between teeth, and toothaches. The baby tooth rule and the time window for a knocked-out adult tooth come from the StatPearls review on avulsed teeth (National Library of Medicine). The helper does not diagnose an injury; a dentist examines every injured tooth.

General information for parents, not a diagnosis or a substitute for a dental exam. For a child with tooth pain, swelling, or an injury, call Alpine Pediatric Dentistry at (704) 479-6777. In an emergency, call 911.

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