A fall or sports injury can damage a child’s tooth. Prompt advice matters, and the response differs for baby and permanent teeth. If you are unsure which tooth is affected, tell the dentist rather than guessing.
A fall or sports injury can damage a child's tooth. Get prompt dental advice: what you do next depends on whether it is a baby tooth or a permanent tooth. If you are unsure, tell the dentist rather than guessing.
Check for serious injury first
Seek emergency medical care for a serious head or facial injury, difficulty breathing, or heavy bleeding that will not stop. A dental injury can occur alongside other injuries; do not focus on the tooth at the expense of the child’s overall condition.
What if a permanent tooth is knocked out?
Contact an emergency dentist immediately, even if the tooth cannot be found. Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root. Follow the dentist’s urgent instructions. If it cannot be replaced immediately, NHS guidance describes keeping it in milk or saliva while arranging urgent dental care; do not let a young child hold it in their mouth because of choking risk.
What about a baby tooth?
Do not try to put a knocked-out baby tooth back into the socket, as this can damage the developing permanent tooth. Contact a dentist promptly for advice. If you do not know whether the tooth is permanent or a baby tooth, ask the dental team immediately.
What if a tooth is chipped or moved?
Contact a dentist to explain the injury, pain, bleeding and whether the tooth has moved. Bring any broken piece if you have it and follow the team’s instructions. Even when pain settles, a review and follow-up may be needed to check for damage that is not obvious.
Frequently asked questions
Should I replace a knocked-out baby tooth?
No. Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Contact a dentist promptly.
Does a knocked-out permanent tooth need urgent care?
Yes. Contact an emergency dentist immediately, even if the tooth cannot be found.
What if I cannot tell whether it is a baby tooth?
Ask the dental team immediately and do not guess.
When should I go to emergency care?
Seek emergency medical help for serious head or facial injury, breathing difficulty or heavy bleeding that will not stop.
Related reading
Further reading
Read about Pediatric Dental Care, or contact the team about an appointment.
This article is general information and does not replace an individual clinical assessment.