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:

• do not put it back in – it could damage the tooth growing underneath

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:

• you or your child have knocked out an adult tooth, even if you cannot find it.

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.