What to do if Your Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Dental emergencies can happen anywhere. Whether you are an active sports player, a toddler on the run, or just busy living life, knowing what to do in the event of a dental emergency is key. One of the most serious dental emergencies is a knocked-out tooth. The good news is if you act quickly, there’s a better chance your tooth can be saved. If the tooth is intact (not broken in pieces), it is always a good idea to try to save it.
It is important to get to the dentist as quickly as possible after a tooth has been knocked out. It is also important to avoid damaging the tooth even more.
Here are a few simple suggestions to improve the chance of saving your tooth:
- Handle the tooth carefully. Try not to touch the root (the part of the tooth that was under the gum). It can be damaged easily.
- If the tooth is dirty, hold it up by the upper part (the crown) and rinse it with milk or water. Do not wipe it clean as it could damage the tooth.
- You can try slipping the tooth back into its socket. In many cases, it will slip right in. Make sure it is facing the right way. If it doesn’t go back into place easily and without pressure, do not force it.
- Keep the tooth moist. If you can, place the tooth in your mouth, between the cheek and the gum. A young child may not be able to safely “store” the tooth in his or her mouth without swallowing it. If this is the case, drop it in a glass of milk.
- Notify your dentist immediately, the best rate of success comes when treatment takes place within 1 hour of your tooth being knocked out.
http://www.colgate.com/en/us/oc/oral-health/conditions/dental-emergencies-and-sports-safety/article/knocked-out-tooth-avulsed-tooth
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