Accidents happen, and having a tooth knocked out is a common dental emergency. However, if you act quickly and follow the proper steps, there’s a chance you can save the tooth. Here’s what you should do if a tooth is knocked out:
- Locate the Tooth and Handle It by the Crown:
Always handle the tooth by the crown (the chewing part), NOT by the roots to avoid damaging the delicate root fibers.
- Clean the Tooth Gently:
DO NOT scrub or use soap or chemicals to clean the tooth. If it has dirt or debris on it, rinse it gently with your own saliva or whole milk. If that is not possible, rinse it very gently with water.
- Get to a Dentist Within 30 Minutes:
The longer you wait, the less chance there is for successful reimplantation. The goal is to reach a dentist within 30 minutes.
Ways to Transport the Tooth:
Reinsert the Tooth:
- Try to place the tooth back in its socket immediately.
- Gently bite down on gauze, a wet tea bag, or your own teeth to keep the tooth in place.
- Apply a cold compress to the mouth for pain and swelling as needed.
Keep the Tooth Moist:
- If the tooth cannot be placed back into the socket, place it in a container and cover it with a small amount of your saliva or whole milk.
- Alternatively, you can place the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gums.
- Do not transport the tooth in a tissue or cloth.
Use a Tooth Preservation Kit:
Consider buying a “Save-A-Tooth” storage container and keeping it as part of your home first aid kit. The kit, available in many pharmacies, contains a travel case and fluid solution for easy tooth transport.
Preventing Broken or Knocked-Out Teeth:
- Wear a Mouthguard: Use a mouthguard when playing sports to protect your teeth from trauma.
- Always Wear Your Seatbelt: Seatbelts can prevent injury to your teeth in case of an accident.
- Avoid Fights: Steer clear of situations that could lead to physical altercations.
- Be Careful with Hard Foods: Avoid chewing hard items such as ice, popcorn kernels, and hard breads.
The sooner the tooth is replaced back into the socket, the greater the likelihood it has to survive and possibly last for many years. So be prepared and remember these simple steps for saving a knocked-out tooth. By acting quickly and carefully, you can significantly improve the chances of a successful reimplantation and preserve your smile.