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Wednesday, August 20, 2025

What to do if someone has a tooth knocked out or broken?


A tooth knocked out (avulsed) or broken is a dental emergency. Quick, correct action can save the tooth and reduce complications.

1. Stay calm and act quickly

  • The best chance of saving a knocked-out tooth is if it’s replanted within 30–60 minutes.

  • Call a dentist or emergency services immediately.

2. If a tooth is knocked out (adult permanent tooth)

  1. Find the tooth – handle it by the crown (the white chewing surface), not the root.

  2. Do not scrub or scrape it. If dirty, gently rinse with milk, saline, or clean water for a few seconds.

  3. Try to reinsert it into the socket if the person is conscious and cooperative:

    • Gently push it back in place.

    • Have the person bite on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it.

  4. If reinsertion is not possible:

    • Store the tooth in cold milk, saline, or the person’s saliva (inside the cheek or a special tooth preservation kit if available).

    • Do not store in plain water (damages cells needed for reattachment).

  5. Get to a dentist or emergency department immediately.

3. If it’s a baby tooth (primary tooth)

  • Do not reinsert — this can damage the developing adult tooth.

  • Control bleeding with gentle pressure and take the child to a dentist.

4. If a tooth is broken or chipped

  • Rinse the mouth gently with warm water.

  • If a fragment is available, place it in milk or saliva and take it to the dentist.

  • Apply gauze to stop bleeding if needed.

  • Apply a cold compress outside the mouth (cheek or lip) to reduce swelling.

  • Avoid biting on the injured tooth until evaluated.

5. Pain and infection prevention

  • Over-the-counter pain relief (paracetamol/ibuprofen) may help if safe for the person.

  • Keep the person upright (not lying flat) to reduce bleeding and swelling.

  • Avoid hot foods, alcohol, and smoking.

6. Do NOT

  • Do not touch or scrape the root of the tooth.

  • Do not use soap, alcohol, or disinfectants to clean the tooth.

  • Do not delay getting to a dentist — time is critical.

7. While waiting for help

  • Keep the tooth moist at all times.

  • Reassure the person and manage bleeding with gentle pressure.

  • If swelling or risk of shock, keep the person sitting upright and calm.




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