Broken or Knocked Out A Tooth - What To Do

What do you do if you knock or break your tooth?

Accidents happen! Whether it's on the sports field, in the playground or at home, we know it's stressful and it's hard to know what to do.

Here is our guide on what to do and how to get help.

Knocked or Broken Tooth

If you have a tooth that has been knocked out or broken, it is important to seek dental treatment as soon as possible.

The sooner you act the better. Acting fast and getting to your dentist will make a difference to helping save tooth or losing it.

No matter what has happened in your dental emergency, follow our steps and try to stay as calm as you can (definitely easier said than done).

In this article we give you step by step instructions on what do for three most common dental emergencies

1. Knocked or hit a tooth and it’s loose or wobbly;

2. Knocked a tooth out; or

3. Broken a tooth;

4. Should I go to a Dentist or Emergency?

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What to do if you've knocked or hit a tooth that is wobbly or loose.

What To Do If You've Knocked Or Hit The Tooth And It’s Wobbly or Loose

Adult Teeth Only

Step 1. Act fast & calm;

Step 2. Push the adult tooth back into position;

Step 3. Call 07 5482 7688, we have emergency appts available every day.

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What to Do if you've knocked a tooth out

What To Do If You've Knocked a Tooth Out Completely

Adult Teeth Only

Step 1. Act fast & calm;

Step 2. Don’t touch the root of the tooth, pick it up gently by the bottom of the tooth

Step 3. Rinse clean and gently remove any dirt.

1. Use milk

2. Patient gently suck it clean; or

3. Use small amount of clean water, no scrubbing

Step 4. Insert the Tooth back in the gum;

Step 5. Keep the tooth moist. Keep it tucked inside the patient’s cheek or in milk.

Step 6. Call our number 07 5482 7688 (We need to see you as quickly as possible).

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What to do if you've broken a tooth

What To Do If You've Broken a Tooth

Adult Teeth Only

Step 1. Act fast & calm;

Step 2. Don’t touch the root of the tooth, pick it up gently by the bottom of the tooth;

Step 3. Look for and keep any broken bits of tooth;

Step 3. Rinse clean and gently remove any dirt.

1. Use Milk; or

2. Patient gently suck it clean; or

3. Use small amount of water, no scrubbing.

Step 4. Only if possible, gently insert the tooth back in the gum;

Step 5. Keep the tooth (and broken bits) moist. If possible keep it tucked inside the patient’s cheek or in milk.

Step 6. Call our number 07 5482 7688 (we have emergency dental appointments available every day).

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Should I Go To Dentist or Hospital Emergency Department?

Contact Channon Lawrence Dental or your dentist immediately. 07 5482 7688

If you cannot reach your dentist, go to an emergency department of your closest hospital.

Taking quick action can often mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. So if you experience a dental emergency, don't hesitate to seek professional help.

If you are after more information regarding Dental First Aid, read this article How To Handle A Dental Emergency written by ADA ( Australian Dental Association).

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General Do’s and Don'ts When You’ve hit, knocked or broken a tooth

Do

• Act Fast, time can be critical in saving teeth.

• Call us as soon as possible 07 5482 7688

• Be careful of where you touch or hold the tooth (avoid touching the root of the tooth)

• Look and keep any broken bits of the tooth

• Clean the mouth and the tooth. The patient’s can gently lick or suck the tooth clean or use milk (or lastly warm water, don't store in water though)

• Be gentle when cleaning the tooth (avoid scrubbing).

• Try to put the tooth back in the socket - Adult Tooth Only

• Keep the tooth and or the broken bits of teeth moist. Where possible, tuck it inside the patient’s cheek. If that is not an option, keep it stored in milk. (Do not store in water)

• Utilise cold compress to reduce swelling

Don’t

• Don’t wait. The quicker you get help the more likely we can save the tooth or replant it.

• Don’t panic, try to keep everyone calm and under control.

• Don’t touch the root of the tooth, try to pick it up using the other end!

• Don't store tooth in water.

• Don’t scrub the tooth clean.

• Don’t let it dry out.

• Don’t forget to look for any bits of broken teeth.

• Don’t ignore pain.

• Don’t put a dirty tooth back in place, always clean it.

• Don’t eat or bite down

Knocked or broken teeth can be a real pain, both literally and figuratively. It's stressful and it's sometimes hard to know what the best thing to do is.

Some tooth knocks are more serious than others, please get advice and seek help as fast as you can.

In A Dental Emergency Call Channon Lawrence Dental

Author - Channon Lawrence Dental