Tooth, knocked out

Overview

If your tooth has been knocked out, try to put it back in. If you can’t, place it in milk or saliva as soon as possible, before seeing a dentist.

What to do if a tooth has been knocked out

If it's an adult tooth:

Hold it by the white bit that sticks out of the gum (the crown). Do not touch the root.

If it is dirty, get the person whose tooth it is to lick it clean, or quickly rinse it in cold running water for no more than 10 seconds.

Try to put it back into the hole in the gum. If it goes back in, bite down gently on a clean cloth to hold the tooth in place.

If it does not go in easily:

put it in milk OR
put it in saliva – spit into a container (if it's your tooth) or get the person whose tooth it is to do this OR
hold it in the cheek until you see the dentist. Do not have younger children do this in case they swallow it

Go to a dentist as soon as possible.

If it's a baby tooth:

If you do not know if it's an adult or baby tooth:

put it in milk or saliva (by having the child spit into a container) and bring it to the dentist

Get advice from 111 now if:

It's best to get help as quickly as possible.

NHS 111 Wales will tell you what to do. They can tell you the right place to get help if you need to see someone. Call 111.

What the dentist will do

If you have put the tooth back in, the dentist will check it's in the right place and move it if they need to.

If you brought the tooth in milk or saliva, they will clean it and put it back in.

They'll then fix the tooth to the teeth either side to hold it in place (splinting).

You will need to have the splint removed in a couple of weeks.

If you cannot find the tooth or the dentist is not able to save it, ask the dentist about options to replace the tooth.

You may have to pay for your appointment and treatment.

The videos below have more advice

Easing toothache.

When and where to seek advice on dental care.

The information on this page has been adapted by NHS Wales from original content supplied by