Knocked-Out Tooth? A Parent's Emergency Guide
A knocked-out or broken tooth is scary — but the first 30 minutes matter most. Know exactly what to do before you reach us.
Written byDr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib
Dental emergencies are frightening, but staying calm and acting quickly can save a tooth. Here's what to do in the most common situations.
A permanent tooth is knocked out
This is a true emergency — act within 30 minutes.
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), never the root.
- If dirty, rinse gently with milk or saline — do not scrub.
- If you can, place it back in the socket and hold it there.
- If not, store it in milk (not water) or inside the child's cheek.
- Come to us immediately.
Baby teeth that are knocked out should not be reinserted — call us for advice instead.
A broken or chipped tooth
Save any fragments in milk, rinse the mouth with warm water, and apply a cold compress for swelling. Book an urgent visit.
Toothache
Rinse with warm salt water and use a cold compress. Avoid placing aspirin directly on the gum. If pain or swelling is severe, contact us the same day.
Keep our number handy
Save the clinic number in your phone now, before you ever need it — in an emergency, every minute counts.
Written by
Dr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib
BDS, MS (Pediatric Dentistry)
Dr. Muhiuddin Mahmud Galib is a pediatric dental specialist (BDS, MS in Pediatric Dentistry) and Assistant Professor in the Department of Pediatric Dentistry at Bangladesh Medical University. He has completed special training in Thailand and India, with a focus on conscious sedation, dental treatment under general anaesthesia, and caring for children with special needs.
