Dental injuries

• a tooth that is knocked out accidentally

Symptoms:

• loss of tooth
• localized pain and swelling

Do not:

• DO NOT handle the roots of a tooth. Handle only the chewing edge.

Call Your Healthcare Provider if:

• a permanent tooth has been knocked out--see a dentist immediately.

First Aid:
1. Save any permanent tooth that has been knocked out for possible reimplantation. If a baby tooth has been knocked out, it may not be re-implanted.

2. Handle the tooth by the crown only.

3. Avoid scraping the tooth to remove dirt.

4. Gently rinse the tooth in tap water, but not under the faucet.

5. Try to replace the tooth in the socket and bite down gently on gauze or a wet tea bag to help keep it in place.

6. If the tooth cannot be replaced in the socket, immediately place it in milk, your own saliva, or a warm, mild salt water solution.

7. Apply a cold compress to the mouth and gums for pain.

8. Apply direct pressure to control bleeding .

9. Get dental help immediately. The sooner dental attention is received, the better the chances are for successful reimplantation.

Prevention:
Wear a mouth guard (mouth piece) when playing any contact sport.


A cross section illustration of the tooth. The gums are shown in pink and the bone is yellow.