FIRST AID FOR A KNOCKED OUT TOOTH

First aid for a knocked out tooth is relatively simple and straight forward. The good news is, majority of the time a knocked out tooth can be saved if it is not damaged. It is important to follow the first aid tips and not damage the tooth. Remain calm and act quickly.

Do not try to reinsert a primary (baby) tooth. If a secondary (adult) tooth is knocked out, do the following immediately:

1.   Clean the tooth without damaging it.

Carefully hold the tooth, you do not want to cause anymore damage. If the patient is calm and conscious, ask them to gently put the tooth in their mouth, cleaning it with their saliva. Alternatively, rinse the entire tooth in milk or very briefly, in clean bottled/distilled water.

Do not scrape or rub dirt off the tooth.

Do not rinse under running water

2.   Place the tooth back in the socket.

Once cleaned, immediately place the tooth back in its socket, ensuring that it is facing the right way around. It is very important that the tooth is placed back in it’s socket within 5-10 minutes of being knocked out.

Get the patient to gently bite down on some gauze or a soft cloth (such as a handkerchief or face washer) to assist in stabilising the tooth.

3.   Seek emergency dental treatment immediately 

Time is critical in preventing permanent damage.

If you are not able to replant the tooth back in the socket, keep it moist by:

• Putting it in a cup of milk, or

• Sealing it in plastic wrap, or

• Place it in the conscious patient’s mouth, next to their cheek.

Important points to remember:

1. DO NOT handle the root of the tooth.

2. DO NOT scrape or rub the surface of the tooth.

3. DO NOT let the tooth dry out.

4. DO NOT have the tooth in contact with water for any more than 1 or 2 seconds.

5. DO NOT put the tooth in ice or hot water.

6. DO NOT remove any soft tissue fragments from the tooth.