What to Do If You Knock Out a Tooth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Let’s set the scene. You’re biting into a taco, taking a dive on the basketball court, or just walking and bam—face meets floor. You sit up, dazed… and then you realize something’s missing. Your tooth.

First: don’t panic. It’s a dental emergency, yes, but if you act quickly (and correctly), you might actually be able to save that tooth. Yep—save it.

Here’s exactly what to do if you or someone you know knocks out a tooth:

1. Pick It Up—But Be Gentle

If your tooth is on the ground, pick it up by the crown—that’s the white part you normally see when you smile. Avoid touching the root (the part that was in your gums). It’s super sensitive and full of little cells that can help reattach the tooth if they’re not damaged.

2. If It’s Dirty, Rinse It—Carefully

If your tooth landed somewhere less than clean (like the sidewalk, or, let’s be real, your dog's bed), give it a gentle rinse. Use milk or saline if you have it handy. If not, a quick rinse under water is okay. Don’t scrub it or use soap—this isn’t the time for over-sanitizing. You just want to remove visible dirt.

3. Try to Reinsert It Into the Socket

If you’re feeling brave and you’re in a clean environment, try to put the tooth back in the socket. Gently push it in, root first, and bite down on a piece of gauze or clean cloth to keep it in place. It might feel weird, but this is actually the best-case scenario for saving the tooth.

4. Can’t Reinsert It? Keep It Moist

If reinserting it feels like a hard no (understandable), the next best thing is to keep the tooth moist.

Here are your options, in order of best to worst:

• Put it in a glass of milk (best choice—yes, really).

• Place it in your cheek (only if it’s your own tooth and you’re conscious—don't do this with kids).

• Use saline solution or a tooth preservation kit if you have one.

• As a last resort, put it in a cup of clean water.

5. Get to a Dentist—Stat

Time is crucial. You have about 30 minutes to an hour to increase the odds of saving your tooth. The faster you get to a dentist (or the emergency room if it’s after hours), the better. Let them know it’s an avulsed tooth (that’s the fancy term) so they can prep for immediate treatment.

Bonus Tip: Don’t Forget About the “Other Stuff”

Knocking out a tooth usually means trauma to the face, so check for:

• Bleeding gums or lips (apply pressure to stop bleeding)

• Possible concussion signs if you hit your head (dizziness, confusion, nausea)

• Loose teeth around the knocked-out one

Final Thoughts: Be Your Own Dental Hero

It’s easy to freak out when you’re holding your own tooth in your hand—but staying calm and knowing what to do makes a huge difference. Think of it as a rescue mission. With the right steps and quick action, you just might save that tooth and your smile.

Now go finish that taco—carefully.