Injuries

Knocked-Out Tooth

For a knocked-out adult tooth, handle it by the crown, gently reinsert it if you can, or keep it in milk, and see a dentist urgently.

When to call 999. You do not usually need 999, but see a dentist or urgent dental service immediately — ideally within an hour — as quick action gives the best chance of saving the tooth. Call 999 if there is a serious facial injury or heavy bleeding.

Written by Meds Global Health Clinical Team · Clinically reviewed by Dr Muhammad Suffyan, MB BS, Founder & Clinical Director · Last reviewed · How we review

What to do

  1. Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root.
  2. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or the person’s own saliva — do not scrub it or use water or soap.
  3. For an adult tooth, try to gently push it back into the socket the right way round and hold it in place by biting on a clean cloth.
  4. If you cannot reinsert it, keep the tooth moist in a cup of milk (or the person’s saliva) — never let it dry out.
  5. Control any bleeding from the socket by biting on a clean, rolled cloth.
  6. See a dentist or emergency dental service as soon as possible, taking the tooth with you.

Avoid

What not to do

Do not try to reinsert a baby (child’s milk) tooth, do not hold the tooth by the root, do not scrub it or let it dry out, and do not store it in water or wrap it in tissue, as this damages the cells needed to reattach it.

Afterwards and while you wait

The quicker a knocked-out adult tooth is reinserted or kept moist and seen by a dentist, the better the chance of saving it. After treatment, follow the dentist’s advice on soft foods and oral care. A knocked-out baby tooth is not reimplanted but should still be reviewed.

Education and reference only. This is general first-aid information aligned with UK guidance, not a substitute for a hands-on first-aid course or professional emergency care. In a life-threatening emergency, call 999 straight away.

Answers

Knocked-Out Tooth: frequently asked questions

What should I store a knocked-out tooth in?

Milk is ideal, or the person’s own saliva (for example held in the cheek if old enough to do so safely). Do not use water, and never let the tooth dry out.

Should I put a child’s baby tooth back in?

No. Knocked-out baby (milk) teeth are not reinserted, as this can damage the developing adult tooth. Still see a dentist to check the area and for advice.

Related

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Sources

Where this is drawn from

  • NHS — first aid
  • St John Ambulance / British Red Cross first-aid guidance
  • Resuscitation Council UK (where relevant)

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