HealthInfo West Coast-Te Tai Poutini
Knocked-out teeth
Niho kua mekea atu
When an accident happens, teeth can be broken or completely knocked out of their sockets.
In some cases, a dentist may be able to save the tooth if you follow these steps.
- Find the tooth and hold it by the smooth white part that is usually visible in the mouth (the crown). Avoid holding it by the root.
- If the tooth is clean, hold it by the crown. Making sure it is the right way round and gently push it into its socket.
- If it is dirty, rinse it in milk or rinse it for a second or 2 in cold water. Then gently push it back into its socket.
- Hold the tooth in place by biting on a piece of cloth and go to a dentist immediately.
Do not scrub or rinse the tooth in anything except water or milk.
If you are not comfortable putting the tooth back in:
- put the tooth in a cup of cold milk or keep it in your mouth between the cheeks and gums
- go to a dentist immediately
- do not let the tooth become dry
- do not place it in disinfectant or bleach.
Please remember this advice is only for managing knocked-out permanent teeth. If a baby tooth is knocked out, do not try to put it back in its socket as this may damage the permanent teeth.
Always seek advice and treatment from a dentist.
ACC covers most or all the cost of many accidental or sporting dental injuries for people of all ages.
You can reduce the risk of permanent damage to teeth by wearing a mouthguard for certain sports.
HealthInfo recommends the following pages
- New Zealand Dental Association – Dental trauma
Find out more about saving a knocked out or damaged tooth.
Written by HealthInfo clinical advisers. Last reviewed March 2025.
SourcesReview key: HICPA-75368
