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Symptom Checker

A Knocked or Broken Tooth

A knocked or broken tooth is a dental injury that chips, cracks, loosens, moves or completely removes a tooth from its socket.

Falls, sports, collisions and other blows to the mouth are common causes. The injury can affect a baby tooth, a permanent tooth, the surrounding gums or the jaw.

Call a nurse All symptoms

AAP Guide to a Knocked or Broken Tooth

The AAP guide below explains what to do right away, how to protect the tooth and where your child should be seen.

AAP Symptom CheckerTooth injury

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Symptom CheckerTooth injury New tab

When to see a doctor

Contact your pediatrician or another healthcare professional if:

  • A permanent tooth is knocked out, loose or pushed out of position.
  • A tooth has a significant fracture or severe pain.
  • Bleeding from the gums does not stop.
  • Your child cannot bite normally after the injury.

Call 911 or get emergency care if:

  • A severe facial injury affects breathing or causes uncontrolled bleeding.
  • Your child has another life-threatening emergency.

Talk to a nurse now, at any hour

When can my child be seen

Be seen today.

Every office keeps same-day appointments for illness and injury.

This evening or at the weekend.

Most offices run After Hours Care, by appointment rather than walk-in.

If you are worried, call. We would rather answer a question that turns out to be nothing.

More on ears, nose, mouth and teeth

See the rest of this group and all 164 symptoms