My child knocked out a tooth — what do I do right now?

A knocked-out tooth is one of the true dental emergencies, and for a permanent tooth the first hour matters enormously — quick, correct action can mean the difference between saving and losing it. Take a breath, then act promptly, and know that the steps differ completely depending on whether it's a permanent (adult) tooth or a baby tooth.

If it's a permanent (adult) tooth: Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown — the white chewing part you normally see — and never touch or handle the root, which has delicate cells that are essential for reattachment. Do not scrub the tooth, rub it, or wipe off any tissue clinging to it. If it's visibly dirty, rinse it very briefly with milk or clean water, just a quick pass. Then, if you can, gently place the tooth back into its socket the correct way around and have your child hold it in place by biting softly on a clean cloth or gauze. Reimplanting it immediately gives the best possible chance of survival. If you can't reinsert it — or your child won't tolerate it — keep the tooth moist by storing it in a cup of milk (not water, which damages the root cells; milk is far better). Then get to us or an emergency room right away, ideally within 30 to 60 minutes, because a permanent tooth reimplanted quickly has a dramatically better chance of being saved.

If it's a baby tooth: Do not try to put it back in. Reinserting a knocked-out baby tooth can damage the developing permanent tooth forming in the gum underneath, so this is one time when doing less is the right call. Instead, gently control any bleeding by having your child bite on clean gauze, and call us right away so we can check that nothing else was injured and advise you on next steps.

In either case, treat a knocked-out tooth as urgent and call us immediately at (201) 345-3637 — this is exactly what emergency dental care is for, and time matters. While you're on the way, keep your child as calm as you can; your steadiness helps them stay steady. A cold compress on the outside of the mouth can ease swelling and discomfort, and an age-appropriate dose of children's pain reliever can help if needed.

Accidents happen to active kids, and a knocked-out tooth is frightening in the moment — but knowing these steps ahead of time, and acting fast for a permanent tooth, gives your child the best possible outcome. Save our number in your phone now so it's there when you need it.