Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth

• Loss of a tooth or part of a tooth.

• Nicked or chipped tooth or teeth.

Causes

An injury or a strain on a tooth, such as from biting on a hard object can cause a broken, knocked-out, or chipped tooth.

Treatment

When a tooth gets knocked out, go to the dentist as soon as possible. Keep the tooth moist until you get to the dentist. Follow up treatment is also needed.

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

• If you find the tooth, pick it up by the crown. Avoid contact with the root.

• Rinse off the rest of the tooth with clear water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to the tooth.

• If possible (and if you’re alert), gently put the tooth back in its socket or hold it under your tongue. Otherwise, put the tooth in a glass of milk, cool salt water, or a wet cloth. Don’t let the tooth dry out.

• If the gum is bleeding, hold a gauze pad or a clean tissue tightly in place over the wound.

• Try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes of the accident. If the dentist is not available, go to a hospital emergency department. Take the tooth with you.

For a Broken Tooth

• Rinse your mouth. Use warm water.

• To reduce swelling, apply a cold compress to the area.

• Save any broken tooth fragments and take them to the dentist.

To Protect Teeth From Damage and Injury

• Don’t chew on ice, pens, pencils, etc.

• Don’t use your teeth to pry things open.

• If you smoke a pipe, don’t bite down on the stem.

• If you grind your teeth at night, ask your dentist if you should use a bite plate to prevent tooth grinding.

• If you play contact sports like football or hockey, wear a protective mouthguard. Mouthguards may also be useful for non-contact sports, such as gymnastics. Discuss the need of using a mouthguard with your dentist.

• Always wear a seat belt when riding in a car.

• Avoid sucking on lemons or chewing aspirin or vitamin C tablets. The acid from these wears away tooth enamel.