This is a dental emergency. Act quickly (within 30 minutes if possible).
1. Find the Tooth
- Pick it up by the crown (the white part you see in the mouth).
- Do not touch the root (the yellowish part).
2. Rinse (if dirty)
- Gently rinse the tooth with milk or saline.
- If neither is available, use clean water.
- Do not scrub, dry, or wrap the tooth.
3. Try to Reimplant
- If possible, put the tooth back into its socket immediately.
- Have the person bite down gently on gauze or a clean cloth to hold it in place.
4. If Reimplantation Isn’t Possible
- Keep the tooth moist at all times. Best options:
- Place in a cup of milk
- Use saline or a special tooth preservation solution (like Save-a-Tooth).
- As a last resort, place it inside the cheek (only if the person is conscious and alert).
5. Get to a Dentist or Emergency Room Immediately
- Time is critical — the sooner the tooth is reimplanted, the better the chance it can be saved.
Do NOT:
- Do not scrub or scrape the tooth.
- Do not store in tissue, plastic bag, or tap water.
- Do not delay seeking professional help.
Tip for Coaches & Parents:
Keep a small container of Save-a-Tooth solution or a carton of milk in the sports first aid kit.