Children are naturally adventurous, and bumps and falls are all part of growing up. But when a tumble leads to a knocked-out tooth, it can catch any parent off guard. Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent one, knowing how to respond in those first few moments can make a big difference.
If you’re wondering what to do if your tooth falls out—or more specifically, if your child’s tooth does—this guide will walk you through everything you need to know.
We’ll explain the emergency steps to take, show how long a tooth can survive outside the mouth, guide you on when to contact your dental pediatric dentistry provider, and outline what to expect if your child knocks out a milk tooth.
How Long Can a Knocked-Out Tooth Survive?
If your child loses a permanent tooth, time is of the essence. Ideally, you should place the tooth back in the socket within 30 to 60 minutes. After that, the chance of saving the tooth decreases. Acting quickly and correctly can often mean the difference between saving and losing the tooth.
For a baby tooth knocked out, the situation is different. Dentists usually don’t try to reimplant baby teeth, as doing so can interfere with the permanent tooth developing underneath. Still, it’s important to visit your child’s dentist to check for any damage to the surrounding teeth or tissues.
What to Do If My Child Breaks or Knocks Out a Tooth
When faced with a dental emergency, keeping calm helps both you and your child. Here’s what you should do:
1. Reassure and Comfort Your Child
Remain calm and help your child feel safe. They may be scared, upset, or in pain. Offering reassurance can go a long way.
2. Control the Bleeding
Use a clean cloth or sterile gauze to gently press on the area. If bleeding continues for more than 10 minutes, seek urgent care.
3. Locate the Tooth
If it’s a permanent tooth, pick it up carefully by the crown (the top, not the root). Avoid scrubbing it. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently with cold milk or saline.
4. Try to Reinsert It (Permanent Teeth Only)
If your child is old enough and not too distressed, you can try to place the tooth back in the socket. Ask them to gently bite down on gauze to hold it in place. If that’s not possible, place the tooth in a small container with milk or saliva and go straight to the dentist.
5. Contact Your Pediatric Dentist
Even if it’s a milk tooth knocked out, calling your dentist is still important. A check-up will ensure there’s no additional injury and that the space left behind is healing properly.
Does a Baby Tooth Grow Back After Getting Knocked Out?
Many parents worry when a toddler loses a tooth before their time—especially if a 2 year old knocked out a front tooth. While baby teeth don’t grow back, the permanent teeth will erupt in their own time, usually starting around age six.
That said, losing a baby tooth too early can sometimes cause issues with speech, chewing, or spacing for the adult teeth. If needed, your pediatric dentist may suggest a space maintainer to preserve the gap until the permanent tooth is ready to come in.
How Pediatric Dentists Manage Dental Injuries
Pediatric dentists are trained to handle dental trauma with a gentle and skilled approach. Whether your child has chipped a tooth, knocked one out completely, or sustained gum injury, a pediatric dental team can assess the situation and take the right steps.
At your appointment, they may:
- Take X-rays to look for hidden damage
- Offer treatment to protect surrounding teeth
- Recommend splints or spacers if necessary
- Monitor healing over time
- Make your child feel calm and supported throughout the visit
If your child is ever in doubt after a dental injury, reaching out to a dental pediatric dentistry provider is always the right call.
Common Scenarios and What to Expect
Let’s look at a few typical situations and how to respond:
Loose Tooth (Not Fully Knocked Out)
Apply a cold compress and avoid chewing on the injured side. Schedule a dental appointment to check for internal damage.
Chipped or Cracked Tooth
Rinse your child’s mouth with warm water. If you find the broken piece, bring it to the dentist. They may be able to bond or restore the tooth.
Completely Knocked-Out Tooth (Permanent)
Follow the emergency steps above and head to the dentist immediately. The quicker you act, the better the outcome.
Tooth Pushed into the Gum (Intruded Tooth)
Do not try to fix this yourself. Visit your dentist or go to the emergency room for a proper evaluation.
Can These Injuries Be Prevented?
While accidents are sometimes unavoidable, here are a few things you can do to lower the risk:
- Use mouthguards for sports or physical activities
- Childproof your home—especially sharp furniture and slippery floors
- Teach your child not to run with objects in their mouth
- Keep up with routine dental visits to ensure strong, healthy teeth
FAQs: Knocking Out a Tooth
Q: What should I do if my child knocks out a baby tooth?
A: Don’t try to place it back in. Call your pediatric dentist and bring your child in for a check-up.
Q: Will the tooth grow back if it’s a baby tooth?
A: No, baby teeth don’t grow back, but permanent teeth will eventually take their place.
Q: My 2-year-old knocked out a front tooth. Should I be worried?
A: It’s a common injury, but early tooth loss can affect future development. A dentist should assess the area and offer guidance.
Q: How long can a knocked-out tooth survive?
A: A permanent tooth has the best chance of survival if reimplanted within 30 to 60 minutes.
Q: Is it common for kids to knock out their teeth?
A: Yes—especially in toddlers and school-aged children. Knowing how to react helps protect their oral health.
Final Thoughts
While seeing your child lose a tooth suddenly can be distressing, being prepared can turn panic into purposeful action. Whether it’s a baby tooth knocked out during playtime or a more serious injury involving a permanent tooth, your calm response and prompt dental care can make all the difference.
At Bitesize Pediatric Dentistry, we’re here to support families through every dental milestone—expected or not. If your child experiences a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact us.
Our compassionate team is ready to help you safeguard your child’s smile, one tooth at a time.
