What to Do in Case of a Knocked-out Tooth?

Adults and children alike can have their teeth knocked out, and this can happen in several ways. People typically lose their teeth through accidental falls, road accidents, sports-related accidents, or fights. A tooth can also get knocked out while the person is trying to eat something very hard.

What should you do if you find yourself with a knocked-out tooth? 

A knocked-out permanent tooth can be successfully reimplanted into the mouth. But this is possible only if you save and store the tooth properly, and visit the dentist at the earliest. It's important to save the tooth properly as soon as it's knocked out. Milk teeth are usually not reimplanted, because doing so might damage the buds of the emerging permanent teeth.

Handling a knocked-out tooth with care is of great importance. Handle the tooth only by the crown, not by the root. Do not wipe the root of your knocked-out tooth or try to scrape dirt off it. Don’t brush or clean the tooth in any way because you might permanently damage your tooth.  See your dentist as soon as possible.

A knocked out tooth can result in a lot of pain. Use a cold compress and press against the area to relieve pain. Bleeding can be controlled by pressing some gauze to the area. 

If possible, try to replace your knocked-out tooth into its socket. Carefully, place it in line with the adjacent tooth.  Bite gently on a moist tea bag or a small roll of gauze in order to press it in position. The surrounding teeth can serve as anchors. Take car not to swallow your tooth in the process!  That will give rise to a whole new set of complications.

If you cannot replace your tooth into its socket, store it in a small container of saliva or whole milk. This is important because your tooth must be preserved properly while you wait to see the dentist. If you can get to see your dentist immediately, carry your tooth either under your tongue or in between your lower gum and lower lip. If none of these methods appeal to you, buy a tooth storage device like a EMT Tooth Saver or Save-a-Tooth. 

Seeing a dentist as soon as possible is very important. The sooner you visit your dentist, the better your chances of getting your tooth
successfully reimplanted. Besides, delayed dental treatment in case of a knocked out tooth can lead to abscesses, infection, and severe pain.
To avoid all the pain that comes with the territory when your tooth gets knocked out, take some simple precautions to protect your teeth, and avoid getting these knocked out in the first place. Avoid getting into fights if you want your teeth to remain intact. If you are an athlete or play contact sports, consider using mouth guards while playing. Don't forget to wear a seatbelt when you are driving. Facial fractures in the event of an accident can lead to many injuries, including knocked out teeth, and a seatbelt can help prevent such severe impact.  Avoid biting into hard foods.  Avoid getting into fights!