Pick the tooth up by the crown, not the root. Rinse it briefly if dirty, push it back into the socket if you can and bite on gauze; if not, keep it in milk or inside the cheek. See a dentist immediately: the best chance of saving it is within 30 to 60 minutes. Don't replant baby teeth.
Step by step
- Find the tooth and hold it by the crown, the white part you normally see. Don't touch the root.
- If it's dirty, rinse it for a few seconds in milk or water. Don't scrub it, dry it or wrap it in tissue.
- Try to put it back in the socket, facing the right way, and bite gently on a clean cloth or gauze to hold it.
- If you can't, keep it moist: in a small container of milk, in saline, or in your mouth between the cheek and gum (not for young children, who might swallow it). Plain water is a last resort.
- Get to a dentist straight away. Call while you're on the way so they're ready.
Why speed matters
The root is covered with living cells that hold the tooth in the bone. They start dying within minutes when they dry out, which is why storage in milk or saliva and a dentist within the first hour make such a difference. A tooth replanted within about 30 minutes has the best chance.
Baby teeth are different
A knocked-out baby tooth should not be put back; it can damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. Stop the bleeding with gauze and call a dentist. See our guide for parents.
Loose or pushed-out teeth
A tooth that is loose, pushed in, or pushed out of position is also urgent. Don't try to wiggle it; bite gently on gauze to keep it still and see a dentist the same day.
When to go to the ER instead
If there was a blow to the head, loss of consciousness, a possible broken jaw or bleeding that won't stop, go to a hospital emergency room first. Bring the tooth in milk.
Questions
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?
Often, if it's replanted or stored in milk or saliva and a dentist sees you within 30 to 60 minutes.
Should I put a knocked-out tooth in water?
Milk, saline or your own saliva are better. Use water only if there's nothing else, and get to a dentist quickly.
Do you put back a child's knocked-out baby tooth?
No. Only permanent teeth are replanted.
Sources
- American Association of Endodontists: Knocked-out teeth
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy): Dental emergencies
- American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry (MyChildrensTeeth.org): Can you handle a dental emergency?
This guide is general information, not dental or medical advice. If you are unsure, call a dentist; for breathing or swallowing problems or spreading swelling, call 911.