Getting outside and spending time with your family and friends and doing a variety of activities can be a lot of fun. That is until you end up with a knocked-out tooth because something hit you in the mouth. If your tooth has been knocked out, you must see a dentist as soon as possible because it may be possible to get the tooth seated again. That means that you need to be able to save your tooth and keep it in good shape for the dentist. What should you do?

Rinse it Off 

If your tooth fell on the ground, you want to find it to rinse it off. Don't touch it by the roots or try to remove any tissue. Instead, grab it by the crown, and let some lukewarm water trickle over the tooth. All you are doing is trying to wash off any dirt or debris that might have gotten on your tooth. There is a good reason you want to ensure you get your tooth rinsed off. 

Put it in the Socket

You want to make sure that there is no dirt or debris on your tooth because you will try to put it back in the socket. Your tooth will do best in its own territory, which is the socket. You don't want to force it in because you could damage your tooth and socket. If the tooth socket is actively bleeding, you can bite on a piece of gauze or paper towel until the bleeding stops. Putting the tooth back into the socket may be easier for you to do if there is no bleeding. If the tooth easily goes back in, that's good. If not, you have to store it another way. 

Milk or Spit

The best way to keep your tooth safe until you can see your dentist is in your mouth, but that isn't always possible. If you can't, put your tooth in a paper cup or other small container. You want to cover the tooth in spit when it's in the container. It may sound gross, but it keeps your tooth from drying out. If you can't get enough saliva, you can cover it with milk, which is very similar to spit, and will help protect your tooth. 

If you get a tooth knocked out, call your dentist. You will need to get an appointment to see them as soon as possible.