What To Do About Knocked-Out Teeth

Author: The Editors. Climb Year: N/A. Publication Year: 2017.

If a tooth gets knocked out of position or completely knocked out of one's mouth:

  • Do not scrub, disinfect, or allow the root of a dislodged tooth to dry out.
  • Rinse the tooth with saline or water to remove debris; do not touch the root.
  • Re-implant the tooth right away, if possible. Push the tooth into the socket; hold it in place with your fingers or by gently biting down.
  • If unable to reposition the tooth, store it in milk or your saliva (possibly in cheek). See a dentist as soon as possible (ideally within 30 minutes). The longer the tooth is out, the less chance for successful re-implantation.

    Source: Auerbach’s Wilderness Medicine, 7th Edition