Oral Health

Adult

See the dentist as soon as you can. In the meantime:

• Hold the tooth by its crown (not the roots)
• Ensure there is no dirt on the root by washing it briefly
• Gently push the tooth back into its socket
• Hold tooth in place by gently biting on a piece of cloth
• See the dentist as soon as you can

If the tooth cannot be re-inserted into its socket:

• Store the tooth in milk until it can be replanted by a dentist
• If milk is not readily available, store it under the lip of the injured person – taking care they don’t swallow it by mistake
• See the dentist as soon as you can

Do not:

• Scrub the root of the knocked-out tooth
• Wrap the tooth in a dry tissue

Baby

Do not try to put it back in its socket, as this may damage the adult tooth that is developing under it. Seek advice or treatment from your dentist or the dental therapist.

Broken or chipped teeth are the most common dental injury. It is important to protect broken teeth to prevent infection developing inside the tooth, which can lead to abscess. See your dentist as soon as you can. They can give you a protective covering over the broken tooth or a filling to replace the missing part.

If the broken fragment is available, bring it with you to the dentist. They will decide if it can be used to repair the tooth.

Sometimes an injury can lead to a tooth moving out of place. This may be obvious is the tooth is pushed backwards or hanging out. Other times, it may be less obvious. If you’re having trouble closing your teeth together in a normal position, it’s possible that a tooth may be displaced.

See your dentist as soon as you can.

Putting the displaced tooth back into its normal position as soon as possible gives it the best chance of surviving, and reduces complications and the need for further treatment later.