When a child’s permanent tooth falls out, it can be shocking. After all, only baby teeth are supposed to do that. If it happens with a permanent tooth, it’s likely because of an accident or injury, which can be scary on its own. Whether it happens during a hockey game, a playground tumble, or an accident at home, parents often wonder: What do I do right now?

The good news is that with quick action and care, there’s a chance the tooth can be saved. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through it.

First, please note: If this is an emergency and your child is injured, head to your nearest emergency room right away. If only the tooth is damaged and you’re in the Duluth, MN area, you can call Chester Creek Dental at (218) 724-1332.

What to do if your child’s permanent tooth falls out? Grab the milk.

First and most importantly—stay calm. Your child will look to you for guidance, and you can be the confident guide they need in this moment.

1. Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
   
2. If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with milk or clean water—do not scrub. When parents call us, we instruct them to place the tooth in cold milk until they can reach our office or the emergency room. This one step can help preserve the tooth’s living cells and increase the chance of successful re-implantation.
   
3. If possible, place the tooth back into the socket right away and have your child bite gently on a clean cloth to hold it in place.
   
4. If reinserting isn’t possible, keep the tooth moist in a cup of milk or your child’s saliva and head to the first provider who can see you right away.
   

The quicker you act, the better the chances of saving the tooth.

Seek Emergency Care

A knocked-out permanent tooth is always a dental emergency. Ideally, your child should be seen by a dentist within 30 to 60 minutes. Even if more time has passed, don’t wait. Call your dentist right away.

If your child also has serious injuries, which can include but aren’t limited to heavy bleeding, head trauma, or difficulty breathing, go to the nearest emergency room first. Once they’re stable, follow up with a dentist for tooth care.

Where to Go

If you’re local, start by calling your family dentist in Duluth, MN. Many practices keep time open for urgent visits, and some have after-hours numbers for this type of care. 

Your best options for care when a permanent tooth falls out would be:

• Your family dental office: Call right away and see if they can see your child quickly. Some dental practices have an emergency line that they check if it’s after-hours. If you don’t get through, don’t wait for them to return the call. Proceed to emergency care.
  
• A pediatric dentist: This provider specializes in children’s dental emergencies, and if they’re available, they can also see you. If they don’t answer or respond, proceed to emergency medical care.
  
• Local urgent care or the ER: If it happens outside of regular office hours and you haven’t gotten a hold of your dentist, bring your child to the emergency department. This is also the first course of action if other injuries are present alongside the tooth loss.
  

How You Can Help

It can be nerve-wracking in the time between the injury and being seen by a provider. While you and your child are on the way or in the waiting room, you can:

• Keep your child calm and reassured that you know what to do. That can make all the difference, according to emergency physicians. Try distraction with coloring books, reading, or simply talking with them in a comforting tone.
  
• Use a cold compress on the mouth or cheek to reduce swelling. Grab a bag of frozen peas or put ice cubes in a plastic bag and wrap a towel around it.
  
• Offer soft foods and cool drinks for comfort. They might not want to chew or use their teeth at all.
  
• Keep the tooth moist and protected, either by reinserting or in a cold glass of milk.

After immediate care, your provider will guide you through the next steps to support healing and recovery at home.

Navigating Unexpected Tooth Loss

Losing a permanent tooth doesn’t always mean losing it forever. Acting quickly, knowing where to go in an emergency situation, and working with a trusted family dentist can make all the difference for your child’s smile.

If your child ever faces this situation, know that you’re not alone—and the right help is close by.

The information on this website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website.