How to Handle a Knocked-Out Tooth Fast
When a permanent tooth gets knocked out, time matters. Quick, calm action in the first hour gives you the best chance to save it. Here’s a clear, Canadian guide you can follow at home, on the field, or while you head to a dentist.
What should I do if a tooth is knocked out?
Pick up the tooth by the crown only. If dirty, rinse with milk or saline—never scrub or use tap water. Reinsert it if possible and bite on gauze. If not, store in milk and see dentist within 30–60 minutes.
Immediate first aid steps
1) Find the tooth and hold the crown only
Pick it up by the white top (the crown). Don’t touch the root (the bottom part). The root surface has tiny living cells that help the tooth reattach. Touching, rubbing, or drying them lowers the chance of success.
2) Rinse briefly if it’s dirty
If there’s dirt or sand, give the tooth a quick rinse with cold milk or sterile saline (saltwater). Do not use soap, chemicals, or tap water. Don’t scrub or dry the tooth. Gentle handling is key.
3) Reinsert the tooth if you can
If the person is awake and steady, line the tooth up with the socket and gently press it back into place. It should face the right way. Bite on clean gauze or a soft cloth to help hold it in. If it won’t go in easily, don’t force it. Move to keeping it moist.
4) Keep the tooth moist—never let it dry out
The best options are milk, sterile saline, or a tooth preservation solution (some first-aid kits include one). As a last resort, an older child or adult can tuck the tooth inside their cheek if it’s safe to do so. Small children should not do this due to choking risk.
5) Get urgent dental care within 30–60 minutes
Call a dentist right away and explain you have a knocked-out tooth. Ask for an emergency visit. If your clinic is closed, search for an emergency dentist near you or call a provincial health line for advice. The sooner a dentist repositions and stabilizes (splints) the tooth, the better.
“Keep the tooth moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in milk.” — American Dental Association
Common mistakes to avoid
A few simple errors can make saving the tooth harder:
- Don’t touch the root.
- Don’t scrub or scrape the tooth.
- Don’t rinse with tap water (it can harm root cells).
- Don’t let the tooth dry out.
- Don’t delay getting to a dentist.
If there are other problems at the same time—like a severe toothache, broken tooth, or a lost filling—review this step-by-step guide to what to do in common dental emergencies.
If you can’t reinsert the tooth
Keep the tooth moist while you travel to the dentist:
- Best choice: milk in a clean container.
- Next best: sterile saline or a tooth preservation kit if you have one.
- As a last resort: saliva—hold it in your cheek only if it’s safe for the person.
Avoid dry containers, paper towels, tissue, or plain water. If you live far from a clinic or are traveling in a remote area, it helps to plan ahead. For practical planning tips, see this guide on managing dental emergencies in rural Canada.
Special cases: children and baby teeth
Do not reinsert a baby tooth. Putting a baby tooth back can harm the adult tooth growing underneath. If you’re unsure whether it’s a baby tooth, keep it moist and bring it to the dentist. They can confirm with a quick exam or X-ray.
For bleeding, use clean gauze and gentle pressure. If your child hit their head, feels dizzy, or there’s heavy bleeding that won’t stop, go to the emergency department.
What to expect at the dentist
Your dentist will gently clean the area, reinsert the tooth (if it’s not already in), and place a small splint (a thin wire or special material) to hold it steady while it heals. You’ll likely return for follow-up checks. If the nerve was damaged, a root canal may be recommended later to protect the tooth. Based on your injury, antibiotics or a tetanus booster may also be discussed.
If the tooth can’t be saved, your dentist will explain replacement choices like an implant or a bridge and how to keep the area healthy while you plan next steps. To understand emergency options and clinic processes, learn more about how emergency dental care works in Canada.
If the tooth is broken (not fully out)
If a tooth is fractured but still in your mouth, rinse gently with warm saltwater. Save any clean fragments in milk or saline and bring them to the dentist. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to protect your cheek or tongue. Avoid biting on the injured side and see a dentist as soon as possible. Depending on the break, the repair may be done with bonding, a filling, or a crown.
Why speed and moisture matter
Fast, moist storage protects the root surface cells that help the tooth reattach. Reinsertion within about 30 minutes offers the best chance of long-term success. After around an hour of dry time, the chance drops. Milk, saline, or a tooth-preserving solution (for example, a kit that contains Hanks’ Balanced Salt Solution) helps protect those cells until a dentist can splint the tooth. These steps reflect widely used trauma guidelines and real-world results.
Prevention tips: mouthguards and a simple dental first-aid kit
Most avulsions (knocked-out teeth) happen during sports, falls, or bike and scooter crashes. Reduce your risk with a few smart habits:
- Wear a well-fitting mouthguard for contact, stick, and wheel sports. Custom guards offer the best comfort and protection, which makes people more likely to wear them.
- Use a helmet for biking, skating, skiing, and snowboarding.
- Set up safe play areas and add non-slip mats in bathrooms.
- Build a basic dental first-aid kit: small lidded container, sterile saline, clean gauze, and a tooth preservation kit if you can find one.
If you’re not sure what to do in other urgent situations, bookmark this clear guide on what to do in common dental emergencies so you can act quickly under stress.
Who to call in Canada
Call your dentist first and say it’s a knocked-out tooth. Ask for an emergency appointment. If you can’t reach your clinic, search for an emergency dentist near you or call a provincial health line for direction. If there’s heavy bleeding that won’t stop, trouble breathing, or a possible head or neck injury, go to the emergency department. For a broader look at emergency options from coast to coast, see emergency dental services in Canada.
Conclusion
A knocked-out tooth is scary, but you can make all the difference with calm, fast steps. Handle the crown only, rinse with milk or saline if needed, reinsert if possible, or keep it moist, then get urgent dental care within 30–60 minutes. A good mouthguard and a small dental first-aid kit go a long way in keeping your family’s smiles safe.
FAQ
How much time do I have to save a knocked-out tooth?
The sooner the better. Aim for reinsertion or dentist care within 30–60 minutes. After about an hour dry, the chance of long-term success drops. Still go—your dentist can advise the best next step.
Can I rinse the tooth under tap water?
No. Tap water can damage the cells on the root. If the tooth is dirty, briefly rinse with milk or sterile saline. Don’t scrub or use soap. Keep the tooth moist at all times.
What if the tooth is broken instead of fully out?
Rinse gently with warm saltwater, save any clean pieces in milk or saline, and see a dentist as soon as possible. Cover sharp edges with dental wax or sugar-free gum to prevent cuts inside your mouth. For broader guidance, here’s what to do in common dental emergencies.
Should I reinsert a baby tooth?
No. Do not reinsert baby teeth. It can harm the adult tooth that’s still developing in the bone. Control bleeding with clean gauze and see a dentist promptly.
What if it’s been longer than an hour?
Keep the tooth moist and get dental care right away. Even with a delay, a dentist can advise on stabilizing, splinting, or planning the safest replacement (such as a bridge or an implant later on).
Who can help if I’m far from a dentist?
Call a provincial health line or your dental clinic’s after-hours line for triage. If you live in a remote area, plan ahead with an emergency kit and a transport plan. For more tips, see managing dental emergencies in rural Canada.
