What to do if you knock out a tooth: A step-by-step guide

16 / 10 / 2026

What to do if you knock out a tooth: A step-by-step guide

A knocked-out tooth is one of the few true dental emergencies. Whether it happens on the football pitch, in the playground or after a fall, what you do in the first hour can make the difference between saving the tooth and losing it. Here is exactly what to do.

Is it an adult tooth or a baby tooth?

Baby teeth should not be put back in. Replanting a baby tooth can damage the adult tooth developing underneath. Keep the child calm, gently apply pressure to stop any bleeding, and call us for advice.
Adult teeth can often be saved if you act quickly. Follow the steps below.

Step by step: Adult teeth

1. Stay calm and find the tooth.
2. Hold it by the crown (the white part you normally see), not the root.
3. If it is dirty, rinse it briefly in milk or cold running water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not scrub it or use soap.
4. Try to put it back in its socket, the right way round. Push it gently into place.
5. Hold it in place by biting gently on a clean cloth or handkerchief.
6. If you cannot put it back, keep it in milk, or in the person’s mouth between the cheek and gum (only if they are old enough not to swallow it). Do not store it in water.
7. See a dentist immediately. Ideally within 30 to 60 minutes.

What happens at the dentist?

We will check that the tooth is in the right position, take an X-ray, and usually attach it to the neighbouring teeth with a flexible splint for a couple of weeks while it heals. The tooth may need root canal treatment later, and we will keep a close eye on it with follow-up visits.

Chipped or broken teeth

If a tooth is chipped rather than knocked out, try to find the broken piece and keep it in milk. We can sometimes reattach it, or repair the tooth with tooth-coloured filling material.

Out of hours?

If it happens when we are closed, call NHS 111 or go to a&e if there are other injuries, especially to the head.

Prevention is best

Most sports-related dental injuries can be prevented with a custom-fitted mouth guard. If you or your children play contact sports, it is one of the best investments you can make.

Call us straight away

If you or your child has knocked out or damaged a tooth, call us immediately on 01494 527 971. We will do everything we can to see you quickly.