Medical review: Based on peer-reviewed research and guidelines. Clinical review by a Dalian Speciality Dental Clinic dentist is pending. This page is general information, not a diagnosis. Please see a dentist about your own teeth.
First, check that it is an adult tooth
Baby teeth should not be put back. This advice is for a knocked-out permanent (adult) tooth.
What to do straight away
International guidelines for the first aid of a knocked-out adult tooth say:
- Keep the person calm.
- Find the tooth and pick it up by the crown, the white part. Avoid touching the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it gently with milk, saline or the person's own saliva.
- Put it back into its place in the jaw straight away, if you can. Replanting immediately at the scene is the best treatment.
- Once it is back, have the person bite gently on gauze, a handkerchief or a napkin to hold it in place.
- See a dentist or dental professional immediately.
If you cannot put the tooth back
Place the tooth in a storage liquid as soon as possible, because the root surface starts to dry out within minutes. Guidelines list, in order of preference, milk, a special tooth-storage solution, saliva (for example spat into a glass) and saline. Water is a poor choice but is better than letting the tooth dry out. Take the tooth with you to the clinic.
What not to do
- Do not touch or scrub the root.
- Do not let the tooth dry out.
- Do not try to replant a baby tooth.
After treatment
Some replanted teeth do not survive in the long term, and your dentist will monitor the tooth. Follow the advice you are given about eating, cleaning and follow-up visits.
When to see a dentist
Immediately. Call the clinic on the way. If there is a head injury, heavy bleeding or the person is unconscious, get emergency medical help first.
Frequently asked questions
How fast do I need to act?
As fast as possible. The root surface begins to dry within minutes, so replanting at the scene or keeping the tooth in milk and getting to a dentist immediately gives the tooth the best chance.
Should I use water to clean the tooth?
Rinse gently with milk, saline or saliva if the tooth is dirty. Water is a poor storage medium but better than letting the tooth dry.
What if a baby tooth is knocked out?
Do not put it back in. See a dentist to check the area and the other teeth.
Sources
Information can change as new research is published. Last reviewed 6 November 2026.
