What is the first aid for a knocked-out tooth?

For a permanent tooth: pick it up by the crown, not the root; if dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline without scrubbing; keep it moist in milk; and get to a dentist or emergency room immediately, ideally within the hour. For a baby tooth, do not put it back, control bleeding with gauze, and call the child's dentist.

Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?

Often, if it is a permanent tooth, kept moist, and treated quickly. A dentist may replant it and hold it with a splint. The chances fall the longer the tooth is out of the mouth and if the root has dried or been scrubbed.

Should I put the tooth in water?

Milk is much better. Plain water can damage the cells on the root. If there is no milk or saline, keeping the tooth inside the cheek of an alert adult is an alternative; do not do that with a young child, who could swallow it.

Knocked-out tooth · First aid · Timer · Free

A tooth has been knocked out

For a permanent tooth, the first hour gives the best chance of saving it. Pick what happened: the steps appear in order and a timer starts.

Tool — Tooth injury first aid

What happened?

Choose the closest match to see what to do, in order.

First aid only · Head injury or heavy bleeding → 911 · A dentist must treat the tooth

Why speed and moisture matter

What you are protecting

The root of a tooth is covered in living cells that attach it to the jaw. They survive only a short time once the tooth is out of the mouth, and they die quickly if the root dries out or is scrubbed. Milk keeps them alive far better than water or a dry tissue.

That is the whole logic of the first aid: handle the crown, never the root; keep it moist; get to a dentist fast. A dentist may be able to replant and splint the tooth, and the sooner that happens the better its chances.

Table 1 — Be ready before it happens

For parents, coaches and athletes

Wear a mouthguard	For any sport with contact, sticks, balls or falls. A custom guard from a dentist fits best.
Know the rule	Permanent tooth: keep it in milk and go. Baby tooth: do not put it back, call the dentist.
Save the number	Keep your dentist's emergency line in your phone.
Pack milk or saline	A small sealed container in the team first aid kit means a tooth can be stored properly at once.

Common questions

What is the first aid for a knocked-out tooth?: For a permanent tooth: pick it up by the crown, not the root; if dirty, rinse briefly with milk or saline without scrubbing; keep it moist in milk; and get to a dentist or emergency room immediately, ideally within the hour. For a baby tooth, do not put it back, control bleeding with gauze, and call the child's dentist.
Can a knocked-out tooth be saved?: Often, if it is a permanent tooth, kept moist, and treated quickly. A dentist may replant it and hold it with a splint. The chances fall the longer the tooth is out of the mouth and if the root has dried or been scrubbed.
Should I put the tooth in water?: Milk is much better. Plain water can damage the cells on the root. If there is no milk or saline, keeping the tooth inside the cheek of an alert adult is an alternative; do not do that with a young child, who could swallow it.

General information · Not dental advice

This is first aid to protect a tooth on the way to care. It is not treatment, and a head injury or heavy bleeding takes priority over the tooth. We always recommend seeing a dentist. Nothing on this site can examine your mouth or tell you what is wrong. If something hurts, looks wrong, or worries you, book an exam, and go sooner if it is getting worse.

Emergency? If you have trouble breathing or swallowing, swelling that is spreading toward your eye or neck, a fever with facial swelling, or bleeding that will not stop, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Full disclaimer

About this tool

This tool gives general, educational information only. It does not know your health history, has not examined you, and cannot diagnose anything or tell you what treatment you need. Use it to prepare for a conversation with your dentist, not to replace one.

Medical disclaimer

The information provided on Urgent Dental Helper is for general informational and educational purposes only. It is NOT intended to be a substitute for professional medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Urgent Dental Helper is not a dental practice, and nothing here has examined your mouth. Always see a licensed dentist, physician, or other qualified health provider in person about any dental or medical condition. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or any result you received on this website.