Permanent teeth are the adult teeth that come in after kids lose their primary or "baby" teeth. Kids usually begin to lose their baby teeth when they're about 6 years old. Then the permanent teeth come in over the next 15 years. A permanent tooth can get chipped, cracked, knocked loose, pushed into the gum, or knocked out and always needs treatment as soon as possible.

Use these instructions to care for your child and know what to watch for.

• Your dentist talked to you and your child and discussed any treatments that were done. Follow your dentist's recommendations for when to follow up and if your child needs to see any dental specialists.
• Follow your dentist's recommendations for taking any medicines and using any mouth rinses.
• For bleeding where the tooth was injured, put cold water on a piece of gauze, paper towel, or washcloth and gently press on the gum.
• If your child is uncomfortable:
  • Wrap a piece of ice in a thin cloth and place it on the gum.
  • Give acetaminophen (such as Tylenol^® or store brand) or ibuprofen (such as Motrin^®, Advil^®, or store brand) if your dentist says it's OK. Follow the package directions for how much to give and how often.
• If your child's tooth is sensitive, they should eat soft foods and avoid anything too hot or cold.
• Your child should brush their teeth with fluoride toothpaste twice a day and floss every day. Ask your dentist if your child should avoid flossing near the injured tooth.
• If your child injures the tooth again or gets another tooth injury, call your dentist right away. If you don't have a dentist or can't get in touch with yours, take your child to the emergency room (ER).
• If your child knocks out a permanent tooth, rinse it with milk or your child's saliva (spit) and gently place the tooth back into the gum socket where it came out. Then take your child to the dentist or ER right away.

Your child:

• gets another tooth injury
• has a tooth that changes color
• has tooth pain or sensitivity for more than a few days after the injury
• has gum bleeding that lasts more than a day after the injury
• has signs of an infection, such as a bump in the gums, swollen or red gums, pus coming from the gum, tooth pain or sensitivity, fever, or neck or jaw pain
• has adult teeth coming in next to primary teeth

What can happen from permanent tooth injuries? A permanent tooth injury can cause a tooth to change color or position. It may also lead to an infection of the tooth. If treated early, an injured permanent tooth often can be saved. 

How do dentists treat permanent tooth injuries? Treatment depends on the injury. Dentists can usually fix a chipped tooth by reattaching the chip or filling it in with a tooth-colored material. Teeth with large chips or cracks or that are pushed into a gum might need a root canal (removing the pulp inside the tooth, then cleaning and sealing it) and/or a crown (a tooth-shaped cap put over the injured tooth). Sometimes a tooth is fully knocked out or can't be saved. To replace it, dentists might use an implant (a device drilled into the jawbone to hold a replacement tooth).

What can help prevent tooth injuries? Not all tooth injuries can be prevented, but these steps can help:

• Teach kids to never walk or run with anything in the mouth, such as a toothbrush or pencil.
• To help prevent falls, keep floors free of tripping hazards.
• Kids who play sports should follow all safety recommendations, including wearing a helmet and mouthguard.