A knocked-out tooth is an emergency. If you don't get help soon, it will be impossible to salvage the tooth, and the socket can become badly infected. By taking quick action, you can save both the tooth and the socket.

Here's what you need to do:

• Find that tooth!
• Pick it up by the crown, not the fleshy root. If the root looks dirty, give it a quick rinse with a sterile saline solution, milk, or saliva. Don't scrub it or touch it -- you could wind up losing vital tissue.
• As unappealing as it sounds, try to put the tooth back in its socket. Then hold it in place with gauze or a clean washcloth until you get to a dentist.
• If the tooth won't go back in place, put it in a glass of milk or sterile saline solution. Don't put it in water. You can also carry the tooth tucked between your gum and cheek until you get to the dentist's office.
• Get to a dentist immediately. (And don't forget to bring the tooth!)

Unlike permanent teeth, baby teeth can't be replaced. If your child knocks out a baby tooth prematurely, don't waste any time looking for it. Instead, comfort your child and help him rinse his mouth out with cold water. Then call a dentist right away. The dentist won't be able to save the tooth, but he can give your child pain relievers to make him feel better, and antibiotics to prevent an infection. Your child may also need a spacer, a device that keeps the other teeth from crowding into the newly formed gap. This gives future permanent teeth room to grow.

It's a good idea. Even if the accident left you with only a loose tooth, a dentist's attention can help reduce the risk that the tooth will die or fall out later.

Source: consumer.healthday.com