Baby Chipped or Knocked Out a Tooth
Medically reviewed by Dr. Sarah Chen, MD, FAAP · Board-Certified Pediatrician
Content reviewed against published AAP, AAPD, AAP guidelines
Last reviewed:
Your baby's physical development is unique, and concerns about baby chipped or knocked out a tooth, here is what you need to know.
The short answer
Dental injuries are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and run. A chipped baby tooth usually just needs smoothing by a dentist. A knocked-out baby tooth should NOT be reimplanted (unlike permanent teeth), as reimplanting can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) needs dental evaluation but often re-erupts on its own. The most important step is controlling bleeding and watching for infection.
Key takeaways
- Dental injuries are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and run. A chipped baby tooth usually just needs smoothing by a dentist. A knocked-out baby tooth should NOT be reimplanted (unlike permanent teeth), as reimplanting can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) needs dental evaluation but often re-erupts on its own. The most important step is controlling bleeding and watching for infection.
- Usually normal when: A small chip on the edge of a tooth from a minor bump
- Call your doctor if: A tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread
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What Parents Should Know
According to AAP, AAPD guidelines, dental injuries are common in toddlers who are learning to walk and run. A chipped baby tooth usually just needs smoothing by a dentist. A knocked-out baby tooth should NOT be reimplanted (unlike permanent teeth), as reimplanting can damage the developing permanent tooth underneath. A tooth that has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) needs dental evaluation but often re-erupts on its own. The most important step is controlling bleeding and watching for infection. At 6-12 months, as babies learn to pull up and cruise, falls are common and front teeth may take the impact. Because babies have so few teeth at this age, damage to the developing tooth buds below the gum is the main concern. If a tooth is chipped, save the fragment if possible. If a tooth is pushed into the gum after impact, see a pediatric dentist within 24 hours for evaluation. It is generally considered normal when a small chip on the edge of a tooth from a minor bump. However, you should contact your pediatrician promptly if a tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread.
Normal vs. Concerning
By Age
What to expect by age
6-12 months
As babies learn to pull up and cruise, falls are common and front teeth may take the impact. Because babies have so few teeth at this age, damage to the developing tooth buds below the gum is the main concern. If a tooth is chipped, save the fragment if possible. If a tooth is pushed into the gum after impact, see a pediatric dentist within 24 hours for evaluation.
1-3 years
This is the most common age for dental injuries. Toddlers fall frequently, and the front teeth are most vulnerable. For a chipped tooth: rinse with water, apply cold compress for swelling, and see a dentist within 1-2 days. For a completely knocked-out baby tooth: do NOT try to put it back in. Control bleeding with gauze, apply a cold compress, and call your dentist. For a very loose tooth: soft foods only and dental evaluation within 24 hours. For a tooth pushed into the gum: see a dentist within 24 hours - most intruded baby teeth re-erupt on their own within 2-6 months.
What to Tell Your Pediatrician
- Describe when you first noticed baby chipped or knocked out a tooth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a tooth is visibly chipped and you want it smoothed or assessed.
- Mention if a tooth seems loose after a fall but your child can still eat comfortably.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
What Should You Do?
When to take action
- A small chip on the edge of a tooth from a minor bump
- Mild bleeding from the gum area around a bumped tooth that stops within 10 minutes
- A tooth that seems slightly loose after a bump but firms up within a few days
- The lip or gum swelling after a fall that improves over a few days
- A tooth is visibly chipped and you want it smoothed or assessed
- A tooth seems loose after a fall but your child can still eat comfortably
- You see a crack line in a tooth after trauma
- The gum around an injured tooth changes color over the following weeks
- A tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread
- A tooth has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) after a fall
- There is significant bleeding that does not stop with 10 minutes of firm pressure
- Your child has a broken jaw - visible deformity, inability to open or close mouth, or severe pain
- An injured tooth develops swelling, pus, or a bump on the gum above it (abscess)
What You Can Do at Home
- Keep track of when you notice baby chipped or knocked out a tooth — noting the time of day, duration, and any triggers can help your pediatrician.
- Remember that a small chip on the edge of a tooth from a minor bump — this is generally within the range of normal.
- At 6-12 months, focus on observation rather than intervention unless your pediatrician advises otherwise.
- Provide plenty of supervised floor time and tummy time to support your baby's physical development.
- While monitoring at home, seek immediate care if a tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread.
Related Conditions
Baby Fell Off the Bed or Couch
Falls from beds, couches, and changing tables are one of the most common accidents in infancy. Most falls from furniture height (2-3 feet) do not cause serious injury, but every fall involving the head deserves careful monitoring. If your baby cried immediately after the fall and is now acting normally - alert, feeding, and moving all limbs - serious injury is unlikely. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical evaluation.
Baby Tooth Turning Gray or Dark
A baby tooth turning gray or dark usually happens after a bump or fall that damages the blood supply inside the tooth. This can happen within days of the injury or weeks later. A darkened tooth does not always mean it is "dead" or infected - many gray teeth remain healthy and eventually fall out normally when the permanent tooth is ready. However, a darkened tooth should be evaluated by a dentist to check for signs of infection.
Baby Hit Their Head - When to Worry
Head bumps are extremely common in babies and toddlers. The vast majority do not cause serious injury. The PECARN guidelines, used by emergency physicians, help identify which children need imaging after head trauma. The most important things to watch for are loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, abnormal behavior, and a worsening headache. A "goose egg" bump, brief crying, and mild fussiness are normal responses to a head bump and do not indicate brain injury.
Related Resources
Frequently asked questions
Is baby chipped or knocked out a tooth normal?
When should I call the doctor about baby chipped or knocked out a tooth?
When is baby chipped or knocked out a tooth normal?
What causes baby chipped or knocked out a tooth?
What should I mention to my pediatrician about baby chipped or knocked out a tooth?
Is baby chipped or knocked out a tooth normal at 6-12 months?
Is baby chipped or knocked out a tooth normal at 1-3 years?
Should I go to the ER for baby chipped or knocked out a tooth?
Does baby chipped or knocked out a tooth go away on its own?
References
Doctor Visit Checklist
Bring this checklist to your next pediatrician visit to discuss Baby Chipped or Knocked Out a Tooth.
Things to mention
- Describe when you first noticed baby chipped or knocked out a tooth and how it has changed over time.
- Note your baby's current age and which age-specific patterns you are seeing.
- Mention if a tooth is visibly chipped and you want it smoothed or assessed.
- Mention if a tooth seems loose after a fall but your child can still eat comfortably.
- Let your doctor know if you have noticed any related concerns, such as changes in feeding, sleep, or movement patterns.
- Bring a list of any questions or observations you want to discuss at the appointment.
Observations to share
- A tooth is visibly chipped and you want it smoothed or assessed
- A tooth seems loose after a fall but your child can still eat comfortably
- You see a crack line in a tooth after trauma
Urgent signs to report immediately
- A tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread
- A tooth has been pushed up into the gum (intruded) after a fall
- There is significant bleeding that does not stop with 10 minutes of firm pressure
My notes
From ismybabyalright.com — free, evidence-based baby health guides
All content follows our editorial policy and is reviewed against published clinical guidelines.
2,705 evidence-based guides6 authoritative medical sources5 medical advisory board members
Related Resources
Bottom line
Most cases of baby chipped or knocked out a tooth are normal. Talk to your pediatrician if a tooth has been completely knocked out or is hanging by a thread.
Trust your instincts. If something feels wrong, reach out to your pediatrician. Worrying about your baby means you care — that is a good thing.
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Related Physical Concerns
Baby Fell Off the Bed or Couch
Falls from beds, couches, and changing tables are one of the most common accidents in infancy. Most falls from furniture height (2-3 feet) do not cause serious injury, but every fall involving the head deserves careful monitoring. If your baby cried immediately after the fall and is now acting normally - alert, feeding, and moving all limbs - serious injury is unlikely. However, certain warning signs require immediate medical evaluation.
Baby Tooth Turning Gray or Dark
A baby tooth turning gray or dark usually happens after a bump or fall that damages the blood supply inside the tooth. This can happen within days of the injury or weeks later. A darkened tooth does not always mean it is "dead" or infected - many gray teeth remain healthy and eventually fall out normally when the permanent tooth is ready. However, a darkened tooth should be evaluated by a dentist to check for signs of infection.
Baby Hit Their Head - When to Worry
Head bumps are extremely common in babies and toddlers. The vast majority do not cause serious injury. The PECARN guidelines, used by emergency physicians, help identify which children need imaging after head trauma. The most important things to watch for are loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, abnormal behavior, and a worsening headache. A "goose egg" bump, brief crying, and mild fussiness are normal responses to a head bump and do not indicate brain injury.
Should I Use Adjusted Age for My Preemie's Milestones?
Yes — for premature babies, developmental milestones should be assessed using adjusted (corrected) age, not chronological age, until at least 2 years of age. Adjusted age is calculated by subtracting the number of weeks your baby was born early from their actual age. For example, a 6-month-old born 2 months early would have an adjusted age of 4 months, and should be assessed against 4-month milestones. Most pediatricians use adjusted age for developmental assessment through age 2-3, and for growth charts through age 2.
Baby-Proofing a Small Apartment
Baby-proofing a small apartment is absolutely possible and focuses on the same key safety principles as any home: securing furniture to walls, covering outlets, locking cabinets with hazardous materials, and ensuring safe sleep spaces. Small spaces actually have an advantage - there is less area to monitor. Focus on eliminating the most dangerous hazards first: falls, poisoning, choking, and burns.
My Baby Seems to Use One Side More Than the Other
Babies should use both sides of their body fairly equally during the first 18 months of life. While slight preferences can be normal, a consistent pattern of favoring one side - using one arm much more than the other, crawling with one leg dragging, or turning the head predominantly one way - should always be discussed with your pediatrician. Early identification of asymmetry leads to the best outcomes.