Tooth loss: First aid

If your tooth is knocked out, get emergency dental care. It's sometimes possible to remedy tooth loss by successfully reimplanting permanent teeth that have been knocked out. But this is an option only if you act quickly.

If your tooth is knocked out:

• Handle your tooth by the top only, not the roots.
• Don't rub it or scrape it to remove dirt.
• Gently rinse your tooth in a bowl of tap water. Don't hold it under running water.
• Try to replace your tooth in the socket. Then bite down gently on gauze or a moistened tea bag to help keep it in place.
• If you can't replace your tooth in the socket, immediately place it in whole milk, your own saliva or a warm, mild saltwater solution (1/4 teaspoon salt to 1 quart water).
• Get medical attention from a dentist or emergency room immediately.

If you participate in contact sports, you can often prevent tooth loss by wearing a mouth guard, fitted by your dentist.