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If you’re reading this with your heart thumping and your child on your lap (or doing the “I’m fine!” wiggle while you’re clearly not fine), take a breath. A knocked-out tooth is a common childhood injury. Think of it as an unfortunate side quest in the grand adventure of growing up.
Here’s the important part: while it can look scary, what matters most is staying calm and acting quickly, especially if a permanent tooth is involved. This guide will walk you through exactly what to do for knocked-out baby teeth vs. permanent teeth, what to watch for, and when to call your dentist for help.
Is a Child’s Knocked-Out Tooth a Dental Emergency?
Sometimes a tooth coming out unexpectedly is more “urgent pit stop,” and sometimes it’s a “drop everything and go.” The difference often depends on whether the tooth is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth–and what else is happening in your child’s mouth.
A knocked-out tooth is typically a true dental emergency when:
- A permanent tooth is missing (a knocked-out permanent tooth needs fast action).
- There’s excessive bleeding that won’t slow down with pressure.
- You can see something unusual, like root visible tissue damage, or a large tear in the gums.
- Your child has a missing tooth after impact, and you can’t find it (it may be swallowed or pushed into the gums).
- Your child seems very drowsy, vomits, has a severe headache, or you suspect a head injury (in that case, go to the ER first).
It may be less urgent (but still worth calling your dentist) when:
- A baby tooth is only slightly loose.
- There’s minor bleeding that stops quickly.
- The tooth looks okay, but your child hit their mouth, and you’re worried about a hidden injury.
What does this mean for your family? If you’re unsure whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent tooth, or if you’re not sure what you’re seeing, call your dentist. They would much rather reassure you early than have you sitting at home wondering.
What to Do if a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out
Here’s the good news: if a baby tooth is knocked out, we usually do not reinsert it. Trying to put the tooth back can risk damaging the permanent tooth developing underneath. (That adult tooth is like a little seed waiting below the surface–we want to protect it.)
Even though a knocked-out baby tooth isn’t handled the same way as a permanent one, it’s still important to get your child checked so we can make sure the gums, surrounding teeth, and jaw are all okay.
Steps to take:
- Rinse your child’s mouth gently with water. Use a small sip of water and let it dribble out. No forceful swishing.
- Apply pressure to stop bleeding. Use gauze or a clean cloth and press gently for 10 minutes.
- Offer a cold compress. Place it on the outside of the lip/cheek in short intervals to reduce swelling.
- Call the dentist for evaluation. Even if the bleeding stops, they will want to check for injury and confirm no fragments remain.
What to expect at the dentist: Your dentist may take dental X-rays to ensure the surrounding teeth and bone look healthy and that nothing is pushed into the gum. If your child loses a baby tooth early, there may be a gap for a while. However, there’s no need to worry. Your dentist will guide you on what’s normal, what to monitor, and whether any space management is needed.
And to answer the big question: Will a baby tooth grow back if it gets knocked out?
Once a baby tooth is out, it does not return. The permanent tooth will still come in later on its natural timeline.
What to Do if a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out
If your child loses a permanent tooth, this is a dental emergency. The goal is to act quickly (ideally within 30–60 minutes) because the tooth’s root cells are more likely to survive and reattach the sooner it’s cared for.
Action steps:
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (not the root). The crown is the chewing/visible part. Avoid touching the root—don’t touch the root if you can help it.
- Rinse briefly. Do not scrub. If the tooth is dirty, gently rinse it with milk or saline (or a quick, gentle rinse with tap water if that’s all you have). Do not scrub, scrape, or use soap.
- Try to put the tooth back in (only if you can do so easily). If your child is calm, and it will go in smoothly, you may be able to put the tooth back into the socket and have your child bite on gauze to hold it. If it won’t go easily, don’t force it.
- If you can’t reinsert it, store it properly. Place the tooth in milk (“tooth in milk” is a classic for a reason), or keep it in your child’s saliva (like inside the cheek if they’re old enough not to swallow it). A small container with milk works well. Avoid storing it dry or using tap water.
- Go to the dentist (or ER) immediately. Bring the tooth with you. Time matters with a knocked-out tooth.
What the dentist may do: If the tooth can be replanted, we’ll clean the area, reposition it, and stabilize it (often with a small flexible splint). Some children need follow-up visits and a long-term plan to keep the tooth healthy as they grow.
Special Situations and Complications
Not every injury is a clean “tooth fell out” moment. Sometimes it’s sneakier.
Tooth knocked loose but still attached (loose tooth)
If your toddler knocked a tooth loose or you notice a wobble after a fall, don’t wiggle it, don’t test it repeatedly, and don’t let your child play with it. Call the dentist. Teeth can be stabilized, and they will check for root or bone injury.
Tooth pushed into gums (intrusion)
Sometimes a tooth is pushed up into the gum and looks “missing.” This can happen with baby teeth and permanent teeth. It needs a dental exam and X-rays to determine where the tooth went and how to manage it safely.
Swallowed tooth
If your child loses a tooth and you can’t find it, it may have been swallowed. This is not typically dangerous, but it’s worth calling your dentist. Watch for coughing, breathing trouble, or persistent discomfort. Those require immediate medical attention.
When to call the dentist
Call if your child loses a tooth, a tooth changes position, there’s significant bleeding, your child is in pain, or you simply have that parental gut feeling that something isn’t right.
Prepare for Dental Emergencies at Home
You don’t need a superhero utility belt, but having a small plan can turn panic into confidence.
- Keep a small emergency dental kit: gloves, gauze, saline, a small lidded container (for “hold the tooth” safely), and your dentist’s number.
- Save your dentist’s office emergency contact info in your phone now (because searching while your child is crying is no one’s idea of fun).
Teach age-appropriate mouth safety: helmets for biking/scooters, no running with objects in the mouth, and using mouth-guards for sports.
When to Follow Up With a Dentist
Even if everything looks okay after a bump, please schedule a visit. Dental injuries can be quiet at first and show up later.
Your dentist will monitor for signs of trauma, such as:
- Tooth discoloration (gray/darkening)
- Ongoing sensitivity or pain
- Swelling, gum irritation, or infection
- Changes that may affect eruption timing (especially after a baby tooth injury)
- Hidden fractures or root issues
This is also a good time to discuss prevention tips. If your child is anxious, your dentist can help make the visit feel calm, predictable, and friendly.
When Accidents Happen, You’re Not Alone
A knocked-out tooth can feel like the world stops for a moment—but you’ve got this. The main takeaways are simple:
- Stay calm and act quickly
- Do not reinsert a baby tooth
- A knocked-out permanent tooth is an emergency. Handle by the crown, don’t touch the root, and store it in milk if you can’t reinsert it
- Follow up with a dentist, even if things look fine
When you need a steady hand and a kind voice, our care team is here to help. From tiny chips to a toddler knocking a tooth loose to a true dental emergency, we’re there for all of your dental needs.
Ready for peace of mind? Schedule an appointment at a location near you so we can check your child’s smile and make sure everything is healing beautifully.