Getting a tooth knocked out is always a shock, no matter what the cause. Whether a tooth gets displaced from a contact sport, vehicular or bike accident, a hard piece of food, or anything else, there are numerous things you can do to save it. Schedule an emergency dental visit and use these tips.

Top 4 Tips For Recovering A Knocked-Out Tooth

1. Pick It Up By The Crown

Find the tooth on the road, playing field, or other surface if it got completely knocked out of your mouth. Carefully pick it up by the crown instead of the roots to avoid causing more damage. The tooth may be in fragments, so keep this in mind as you perform your search. If the tooth fell into grass or is not visible for any other reason, try to move as little as possible to avoid stepping on and subsequently shattering the tooth.

2. Rinse The Tooth

Clean the tooth of dirt and other particles using saline solution, warm water, or milk. Remember to keep holding the tooth by the crown and do not use anything other than the recommended liquids. Alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, and witch hazel do not make good cleaners for a knocked-out tooth as they are too drying and can damage the roots. Do not attempt to brush the tooth for the same reason.

3. Place It Back In The Socket Or Store It

Rinse your mouth with warm water and place your tooth back in your socket while a friend or family member schedules emergency dental care. If the tooth will not go back in the socket, keep it between your teeth and gums while taking care not to swallow it. You can also keep the tooth underneath your tongue. If none of these options are possible because the tooth is in fragments, store it in milk, saline solution, or your own saliva. Do not use water to store the tooth because it is too harsh and can cause root damage.

4. Treat Your Symptoms

Use clean gauze to stop bleeding in your mouth, if applicable. Control swelling and numb pain with a cold compress. Take an over-the-counter painkiller if the pain gets severe and have a friend or family member drive you to your dentist’s office for emergency dental care. You could be in partial shock and should not be behind the wheel of a car.

Rely on the emergency dental care services at Wayne T. Martin, D.D.S., P.C. to restore your knocked-out tooth or provide a high-quality replacement. Based in Gulf Shores, AL, this cosmetic and family dentistry service enjoys an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau and is renowned for highly-personalized dental plans. Call (251) 968-4446 today to schedule emergency dental care or fill out a new patient form online.