1. Dental & Mouth Concerns

Broken or Knocked-Out Tooth


Signs & Symptoms

  1. •Loss of a tooth or part of a tooth.

  2. •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.

(from a dentist or hospital emergency department)

Self-Care / Prevention

For a Knocked-Out Tooth

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

  2. •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.

  3. •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.

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

  5. •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

  1. •Rinse your mouth. Use warm water.

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

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


To Protect Teeth From Damage and Injury

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Has one or more teeth been broken or knocked out?

Questions to Ask