Dental emergencies don't have a warning. They strike at anytime and anywhere. Knowing what to do in such emergencies can help you prevent further dental problems before you seek dental assistance. A knocked-out or avulsed tooth is one of the dental emergencies you should be quick to handle. Lack of urgency in the case of a knocked-out tooth can be the difference between rescuing your tooth and losing it completely. This is because an avulsed tooth can actually be re-implanted, but the chances of success reduce significantly the longer you wait.

Here is your first-aid information on handling a knocked-fout tooth.

Step 1: Locate The Tooth and Rinse If Dirty

Find and pick up your knocked-out tooth as fast as possible. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it carefully with milk or water. However, you need to be very careful when handling the tooth. Always avoid the roots to prevent damage. Instead, handle it by the chewing edge or crown. When doing this, don't use chemicals or soap. In addition, avoid scrubbing or drying it with a washcloth. This could damage the tooth.

Step 2: Try to Reposition the Tooth Back in The Socket

With the tooth rinsed, try to reposition it back to its socket as quickly as you can. Do this carefully, though, while remembering to handle it by the crown. Make sure the tooth is facing the correct right direction and use your fingers to gently reinsert it. The tooth should slide back in smoothly, but don't force it if it doesn't. You might damage it. If you reinsert it successfully, you need to hold it in position. You can do this by holding it down with your finger. You can also bite down on a clean wet gauze or piece of cloth. If the tooth won't slide in back to its socket, follow the step below.

Step 3: Store The Tooth

The rule of the thumb with this step is to keep your tooth as moist as possible. If you leave the tooth dry, the roots may die, which will reduce the chances of having it re-implanted. This means you should avoid wrapping the tooth in a piece of cloth or tissue. Milk and saline are the most suitable options for storage of the tooth, especially if you're not visiting your dentist right away. If you are in a hurry to visit your emergency dentist, keep the tooth under your tongue or between your lower lip and gum until you reach the dentist.