What to Do If Your Child Knocks Out a Tooth

Written by Hamza Arshad, AEO/SEO Content Writer · Reviewed by Dr. Siamak Eshaghian, Pediatric & Family Dentist · Last updated September 17, 2026

Quick answer: If a permanent (adult) tooth is knocked out, act fast. Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. If it’s dirty, rinse it briefly with milk or water without scrubbing. If you can, gently place it back in the socket and have your child bite on clean cloth. If not, keep the tooth in milk and call a dentist right away. Do not put a baby tooth back in. If there is a head injury, heavy bleeding, or trouble breathing, go to the emergency room.

Falls, sports, and playground bumps happen. When a tooth gets knocked out, the first few minutes matter, especially for a permanent tooth. Here’s what parents should do.

First: Is It a Baby Tooth or a Permanent Tooth?

What you do depends on the type of tooth:

• Baby teeth usually belong to children under about age 6. Do not try to put a baby tooth back in, because it can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath.
• Permanent front teeth usually start coming in around ages 6 to 8. A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency, and fast action gives the best chance of saving it.

If you’re not sure which type it is, treat it like a permanent tooth: keep it moist and call a dentist right away.

What to Do If a Permanent Tooth Is Knocked Out

1. Stay calm and check your child. If there’s a head injury, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that won’t stop, or trouble breathing, call 911 or go to the emergency room first.
2. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white chewing part). Avoid touching the root.
3. If it’s dirty, rinse it gently with milk or water for a few seconds. Don’t scrub it, dry it, or wrap it in tissue.
4. Try to put it back in the socket if your child is old enough to cooperate, facing the right way. Have them gently bite on clean gauze or cloth to hold it.
5. If you can’t put it back, store it in a small container of cold milk. Don’t store it in plain water.
6. Call a dentist immediately. Time matters; the sooner your child is seen, the better.

What to Do If a Baby Tooth Is Knocked Out

• Don’t put the tooth back in.
• Have your child bite gently on clean gauze to control bleeding.
• Use a cold compress on the outside of the lip or cheek to help with swelling.
• Call your dentist. They’ll want to check for injury to the gums and to the permanent tooth underneath.

If a baby tooth is lost too early, your dentist may talk about a space maintainer to hold room for the adult tooth.

What About Chipped or Loosened Teeth?

• Chipped tooth: save any pieces in milk, rinse your child’s mouth with water, and call the dentist. Small chips can often be repaired with tooth-colored bonding.
• Tooth pushed out of place: don’t force it back. Call the dentist promptly.
• Tooth turning dark later: a tooth that darkens days or weeks after an injury should be checked, since the nerve may be affected.

How to Help Prevent Tooth Injuries

• Have kids wear a protective mouth guard for contact sports, skating, and similar activities.
• Use car seats and seat belts every time.
• Childproof sharp furniture corners for toddlers.
• Save our number in your phone: 213-529-4010.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I put a knocked-out baby tooth back in?

No. Putting a baby tooth back can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Call your dentist instead.

What is the best way to store a knocked-out tooth?

Keep a permanent tooth in cold milk if you can’t put it back in the socket. Avoid storing it dry or in plain water.

How quickly should my child see a dentist?

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, call a dentist immediately. The sooner, the better the chance of saving the tooth.

When should we go to the emergency room?

Go to the ER for head injuries, loss of consciousness, heavy bleeding that won’t stop, or trouble breathing.

Can a chipped tooth be fixed?

Often, yes. Small chips may be repaired with tooth-colored bonding. Save any pieces and call your dentist.

Final Thoughts

For a knocked-out permanent tooth, handle it by the crown, keep it moist in milk or put it back in place, and call a dentist right away. Never put a baby tooth back in. Our office is open Monday to Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM, and we keep time for urgent visits when possible; please call first.

Explore our pediatric dental emergencies services, see all dental services for kids and families, or browse more dental tips for parents.

Have questions about your child’s teeth? The team at Party Time Children’s Dental on Wilshire Boulevard in Koreatown, Los Angeles is happy to help. Call 213-529-4010 or request an appointment.

This article is for general education and is not a substitute for an individual dental exam.

Tags:

Chipped ToothEmergency Pediatric DentistKids Dental EmergencyKnocked Out ToothSports Mouth Guards

Share: