Pediatric Dental First Aid Manual for Parents: Bumps, Falls, and Tooth Loss

Q: What should I do if a baby tooth falls out from a strong bump?

Control the bleeding with a clean gauze. NEVER try to put a baby tooth back in its place, as you could damage the development of the permanent tooth forming in the bone.

Dra. Ana Cristina Turcios Zacarías

Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry

Prof. License: 11655954 | Spec. License: 13199591, UNITEC

Active Clinical Review - 2026

Quick Emergency Summary (Act Immediately)

Time is crucial: An avulsed (completely knocked out) permanent tooth has a high chance of being saved if reimplanted within the first 30 to 60 minutes.
Knocked-out baby (primary) teeth should NEVER be put back in place.
To stop bleeding, apply direct and constant pressure with a sterile gauze or clean cloth.
Stay calm to transmit safety to the child; this makes it easier to control the emergency.

Critical Steps According to the Type of Emergency

IMPORTANT: If the child experiences loss of consciousness, vomiting, drowsiness, dizziness, or inability to remember the blow, go IMMEDIATELY to a hospital emergency room before seeing the dentist.

Loss of a Baby Tooth

Bite on a clean gauze to stop the bleeding. Do not attempt to put it back in, you could injure the germ of the permanent tooth. Save the tooth and schedule an appointment for evaluation.

Loss of a Permanent Tooth

Find the tooth and ALWAYS hold it by the crown (the white part). If it's dirty, rinse it for 10 seconds with milk (do not scrub!). Submerge it in milk or saline solution and rush to the clinic.

Broken or Fractured Tooth

Clean the area with warm water. If there is swelling on the lip, apply a cold compress. Find the broken tooth piece, store it in milk or saline solution, and visit the clinic immediately.

Immediate Action Table

Type of Injury	Recommended Immediate Action	Appropriate Transport Medium (for the tooth/fragment)
Avulsion (total loss) of Baby Tooth	Control bleeding. DO NOT reimplant under any circumstances.	Dry (only as a keepsake for the Tooth Fairy).
Avulsion of Permanent Tooth	Seek immediate help (reimplant within 1 hour).	Cold milk, saline solution, or inside the child's cheek with their own saliva. NEVER plain water.
Crown Fracture (Broken piece)	Find the fragment. Control pain/sensitivity.	Cold milk or saline solution.
Bleeding Gum / Cut Lip	Direct pressure with clean gauze for 10 continuous minutes and cold compresses on the outside.	Not applicable.

Frequently Asked Questions about Dental First Aid

What should I do if a baby tooth falls out from a strong bump?

Control the bleeding by applying pressure with a clean gauze. NEVER try to put a baby tooth back in its place, as you could damage the development of the permanent tooth forming in the bone.

Can I wash a permanent tooth that fell on the floor?

If it is very dirty, rinse it very gently with milk or saline solution for a maximum of 10 seconds. NEVER use soap, bleach, or scrub it, and always hold it by the crown, never handle the root (the pointed, yellow part).

The tooth was pushed into the gum after the blow, what should I do? (Intrusion)

Do not attempt to pull it or adjust it on your own. Baby teeth often re-erupt on their own over time. However, you should immediately take the child for x-rays to evaluate the proximity to the permanent tooth germ and rule out bone fractures.

Need Medical Guidance for a Dental Emergency?

Time is a crucial factor. Reach out to get proper medical advice for your child's situation.

Get Medical Advice: 55-9197-2166

Medical Liability Disclaimer (COFEPRIS Compliance): The information contained in this "Dental First Aid Guide" has a strictly educational and guiding purpose for parents facing emergencies at home. It DOES NOT constitute a definitive medical diagnosis, nor does it guarantee successful clinical outcomes in restoring or saving teeth. Any traumatic dental emergency must be evaluated in person by a certified specialist (Pediatric Dentist or Dental Surgeon) and be accompanied by clinical radiographic studies to establish the final diagnosis and appropriate medical treatment.