Having a tooth knocked out can be traumatic. Nevertheless, there are some things that you can do to help ensure that the dislodged tooth can resume its position in your mouth. Here are a few of them:

Rinse the tooth, but don't wash it.

A tooth that has been forcefully dislodged from the mouth will likely contain small bits of soft tissue. If the tooth is knocked from the mouth to the floor or another soiled surface,  you may be tempted to wash it. After all, a good scrub should remove the germs and debris. However, by washing the tooth, you are likely to remove soft tissue that will help the tooth to reconnect in your mouth.

Instead of washing the tooth, simply rinse it with water. Never use soap or detergent. Water alone should be sufficient to remove contaminants.

If possible, put the tooth back in your mouth.

The longer a tooth remains out of place, the more difficult it will be for it to re-assimilate into your mouth. If the area from which the tooth was dislodged is not damaged too severely to place the tooth back in position, put it back in place. However, if the area is too badly damaged or too painful to place the tooth back in its original location, store it in the pocket of your inner cheek until you reach the dental office. The moist environment of your mouth will prevent the tooth from drying out.

In some cases, a tooth cannot be comfortably placed back the mouth. In such instances, the tooth can be stored in a small container of milk en route to the dentist.

Seek treatment immediately.

If your mouth is not been severely damaged during the incident, you may feel that you can wait until the next day to have the tooth treated at your dental office. However, a dislodged tooth is considered a dental emergency. It is important for you to receive treatment as quickly as possible. Therefore, as soon as the tooth has been dislodged, it is best to contact your dentist. A delay in treatment can make it impossible for the tooth to resume its position in the mouth. Additionally, the trauma may make it necessary for the tooth to be treated by a root canal to eliminate any pain or discomfort associated with it.

To learn more things that you do when you dislodge a tooth, schedule a consultation with an emergency dentist in your area.