My friend's daughter had a bad spill on her bike, and one of her front teeth was knocked out. My friend said she had a tooth preservation kit handy, and that helped save her daughter's tooth. I've never seen these kits — what are they and should all parents have one? – Cara Active kids do run the risk of losing a tooth in a fall. Safety precautions (like wearing mouthguards and protective gear for contact sports and helmets while biking, skateboarding, and inline skating) can help protect them. But some mishaps are inevitable. Kids who lose a baby tooth won't need it replaced. But when an older child or teen loses a permanent tooth, it's a dental emergency. Permanent teeth have the best chance of survival if replaced within 15 minutes. Whenever possible, a knocked-out tooth should be reimplanted immediately. For older kids and teens, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. Have your child bite down on gauze to help keep it in place. For a younger child or if the tooth can't be reimplanted, having an emergency tooth preservation kit on hand can really pay off. These kits, recommended by the American Dental Association (ADA), contain a sterile balanced salt solution (BSS), which is ideal for preserving a tooth until the injured person gets to a dentist. If a tooth preservation kit (or a container filled with BSS) isn't available, a knocked-out tooth can be put in a container of milk or your child's saliva for transport. You also can place the tooth between your lower lip and gum. Do not store it in tap water. Whatever method is used, prompt medical attention is needed when a tooth is dislodged. Call your dentist right away or go to a nearby emergency room that has a dental service. Back to Articles Related Articles First Aid: Teeth Injuries If your child loses a baby tooth, there's no need to replace it. But if a permanent tooth is dislodged, it's a dental emergency. Here's what to do. Read More First-Aid Kit A well-stocked first-aid kit, kept in easy reach, is a necessity in every home. Learn where you should keep a kit and what to put in it. Read More Going to the Dentist What happens when you go to the dentist? Find out in this article for kids. Read More Going to the Orthodontist An orthodontist prevents and treats mouth, teeth, and jaw problems using braces, retainers, and other devices. Read More Taking Care of Your Teeth The healthier your teeth are, the happier you look. That's why it's important to take great care of your teeth by brushing, flossing, and visiting the dentist. Learn more. Read More Your Teeth There's much more to a tooth than meets the eye. This article for kids gives you the inside story. Read More Taking Care of Your Teeth There's a lot more to taking care of your teeth than breath mints and mouth sprays. Read this article to learn the facts on flossing, how to give plaque the brush-off, and much more. Read More Keeping Your Child's Teeth Healthy Here are the basics about how to care for your child's teeth - and when. Read More A to Z: Tooth Injury, Primary A primary tooth injury is an injury or damage to a child's primary (or "baby") tooth. Read More A to Z: Tooth Injury, Secondary Secondary tooth injuries are injuries or damage to secondary or permanent teeth (also called "adult" teeth). Read More Note: All information is for educational purposes only. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, consult your doctor. © 1995-2021 KidsHealth®. All rights reserved. Images provided by The Nemours Foundation, iStock, Getty Images, Veer, Shutterstock, and Clipart.com.