Child knocked out a tooth (baby vs adult)
How to handle a knocked-out tooth depends on whether it's a baby tooth or permanent tooth.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Jose — June 8, 2026
Call 911 or go to the ER for these signs
Some dental problems are medical emergencies. Get emergency care right away if you have:
- Difficulty breathing or swallowing
- Swelling of the face, jaw, floor of the mouth, or neck — especially if it is spreading
- Swelling that affects your eye or makes it hard to open your mouth
- A high fever combined with mouth or facial swelling
- Bleeding that won't stop after 10–15 minutes of firm pressure
- A knocked-out adult tooth, or an injury to the jaw, head, or face
When in doubt, consider it an emergency and seek care now.
Whether it’s a baby tooth or a permanent adult tooth determines how you respond.
Baby tooth knocked out
- Don’t reinsert it — this can damage the developing permanent tooth
- Keep the tooth — for sentimentality
- See a dentist within 24 hours to check for other mouth injuries
- The permanent tooth will erupt on its own in time
Adult (permanent) tooth knocked out
- Find the tooth — pick it up by the crown (white part), not the root
- Rinse gently with milk or water if dirty — don’t scrub
- Try to reinsert in the socket gently, or keep it moist in milk
- Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes — speed matters
- The tooth may be savable if handled quickly
Immediate steps for permanent tooth
- Keep the child calm
- Handle the tooth carefully
- Keep it moist (milk is best; saliva works)
- Call a dentist immediately
- Get to a pediatric dentist or emergency dental clinic ASAP
The first 30–60 minutes are critical for a permanent tooth. After this window, the chances of saving it decrease significantly.
Frequently asked questions
Do you put a baby tooth back in?
No. Reinserting a baby tooth can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Keep the baby tooth for the tooth fairy, but don't try to reinsert it. See a dentist to check for other injuries.
What about an adult (permanent) tooth?
Yes—rinse gently, try to reinsert in the socket, or store in milk. Get to a dentist within 30–60 minutes. The permanent tooth may be savable.