- Do not let the tooth hang by the root. Do not brush the tooth. Do not clean or sterilize the tooth.
- If there is any debris, gently rinse the tooth under cold water.
- If possible, reinsert the tooth in its bone socket. Have the person gently bite down on a clean cloth or tissue paper. Only follow this procedure if the person is alert and conscious.
- If you cannot reinsert the tooth into its bone socket:
- Best option: Put the tooth in a solution, such as Hanks’s Balanced Saline Solution.
- Second best option: Put the tooth in cold milk.
- Third best option: Put the tooth in a piece of gauze that has been soaked into a saline solution.
- Fourth best option: Put the tooth under the person’s tongue. ONLY follow this procedure if the person is alert and conscious.
- Fifth best option: Put the tooth in a cup of water.
- Act quickly because each minute counts. Successfully reimplanting a knocked-out tooth depends on how quickly you follow the procedure within 30 minutes of the accident occurring. GO TO A DENTIST IMMEDIATELY.
