A tooth broken or knocked out in sport, a fall or an accident is a dental emergency. Acting quickly and correctly often means the tooth can be put back.
If an adult tooth is knocked out
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part) — don't touch the root
- If dirty, rinse it gently for a few seconds in milk or salt water — don't scrub
- If you can, push it back into its socket and bite gently to hold it
- If not, keep the tooth in milk and get to a dentist fast
If a tooth breaks
- Rinse with warm water
- Hold a cold pack on the cheek to reduce swelling
- Keep any broken pieces and bring them along
What not to do
Don't wrap the tooth in a dry tissue or leave it in plain water for long. Knocked-out baby teeth are not put back, but the child should still see a dentist.
When to see a dentist
Try to reach a dentist within 30-60 minutes of a tooth being knocked out — the sooner, the better the chance of saving it.