Knocked out Teeth
Here are a few simple rules which anyone can follow:-

If PERMANENT front teeth are accidentally knocked out - but NOT BROKEN while you are playing games or at school - This is what you must do.
If the tooth is clean:-

  • Pick it up by the crown (the part that you can normally see) and push it gently back into the socket.
  • Bite on a clean handkerchief (to hold the tooth in place)
  • Get to a dentist AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE
However, if the tooth is dirty:-

  • Hold the tooth gently by the crown (do not touch the root) and rinse it GENTLY under a warm tap.
  • Then push it GENTLY back into place as above.
  • DO NOT SCRUB the tooth
  • DO NOT clean it in disinfectant (bleach, savlon etc.)
  • DO NOT wrap the tooth in a handkerchief
  • DO NOT waste time
If no one is able to push the tooth back into place:
  • Put it in a cup of MILK and get to a dentist AS QUICKLY AS POSSIBLE.
  • If no milk is available, put the tooth into the mouth between the cheek and the teeth.
  • DO NOT CHEW IT!

Teeth are most often saved if a dentist is seen within half an hour, but the chances of success are still fairly good several hours later. It is always worth trying.

This sort of injury is best prevented by wearing a custom made mouth guard.