If an accident happens while playing sport or as a result of a childhood mishap and a tooth is knocked out, the faster you act the better the chance of saving it.
Here’s the ADA’s advice on what to do:
If your child knocks out a ‘baby’ tooth (typically in place until the age of seven),
find the tooth and only hold it by the crown (the visible, white enamel part), and not the root. Depending on your child’s age, the baby tooth may not have much root structure remaining. Baby teeth aren’t put back into the mouth because an adult tooth will replace it eventually.
If you’re unsure if it’s a ‘baby’ or ‘adult’ tooth, don’t try to reinsert it back into the mouth. Instead put it into a sealed container containing a small amount of cow’s milk or your child’s saliva. Why milk? The milk, or saliva helps to keep the roots intact while water can damage the root’s cells.
The same handling rules apply to adult teeth. If the tooth is dirty, give it a gentle rinse in milk preferably or salty water, but don’t scrub it.
With adult teeth you should place the tooth back into position inside the mouth, making sure it’s facing the right way around. Then gently bite down on soft cloth or tissue or use aluminium foil or your mouthguard to hold it in place. If you can’t replant the tooth in its original position, transport it to your dentist in milk or saliva, but not water.
Then contact your dentist immediately. For the best long-term outcome, see a dentist
within 30 minutes of the accident happening. The dentist will check for any other damage in the mouth and will then typically splint the tooth to the adjacent teeth while waiting for it to re-attach in its socket.
If a tooth becomes cracked, chipped or fractured in an accident, take the fragment with you to the dentist in a sealed container. Liquid isn’t necessary.
The most effective way to prevent dental injuries during sport or games is to wear a custom-fitted mouthguard made by a dentist. Mouthguards absorb and spread the impact of a blow to the face, which may otherwise result in an injury to the mouth or jaw.
