A dental injury may involve a chipped, broken, loose, displaced or completely knocked-out tooth, as well as cuts to the lips, tongue or gums. Prompt dental care can improve the chance of saving a permanent tooth.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out
- Hold the tooth by the crown, which is the white part. Do not touch the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently for a few seconds in milk, saline or clean water. Do not scrub it or remove attached tissue.
- If possible, place it back into its socket in the correct direction and bite gently on clean gauze or cloth to hold it.
- If it cannot be replaced, keep it in milk or a suitable tooth-preservation solution. Do not allow it to dry out.
- Contact an emergency dentist immediately. Time is critical.
Never reinsert a baby tooth because this may damage the permanent tooth developing underneath. A knocked-out baby tooth still needs prompt dental advice.
Broken, loose or displaced teeth
Contact a dentist urgently. Save any broken fragment in milk or saliva because it may be possible to reattach it. Do not push a displaced tooth forcefully into position. Apply gentle pressure with clean gauze to control bleeding and use a cold pack on the outside of the face for swelling.
Pain relief and care while waiting
A pharmacist can advise on suitable pain relief. Avoid aspirin in children and do not place aspirin directly on the gum. Choose soft foods, avoid biting with the injured tooth and keep the mouth as clean as possible without disturbing the injury.
When hospital emergency care is needed
Call local emergency services for heavy bleeding that will not stop, severe facial or jaw injury, difficulty breathing or swallowing, loss of consciousness, repeated vomiting, confusion, seizure, double vision or another sign of serious head injury.
Follow-up
Even when a tooth has been replaced successfully, follow-up is essential. A dentist may use an X-ray, stabilise the tooth with a splint and arrange later root canal or restorative treatment. Changes in tooth colour, pain, swelling or a gum lump after an injury should be checked.
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Reviewed: 28 August 2026