What to do When a Tooth Falls Out

A smile is the first thing a person notices about someone. It is always embarrassing if someone is missing teeth or there is something wrong with them. 

A smile is a feature everyone should be proud one; no one should have to hide behind bad teeth. 

A common reason teeth are lost in adulthood is from sports accidents. Always use a mouthguard while taking part in contact sports. Teeth can also fall out because of trauma, because of a car accident, or tripping and hitting the mouth.

Everyone should know what to do if your tooth falls out.

Steps to Take

  • Recover the tooth. Do not touch the root. While it may be a challenge, make sure to only handle the crown of it in order to avoid any additional damage.
  • Wash the tooth – Use milk, water, or a saline solution to clean it off. Do not scrub the tooth; rinse off the crown and root.
  • Put it back in the empty socket – Hold the tooth in place by biting down gently on medical gauze or soft fabric. The pressure will keep it from moving.
  • Protect the tooth – If it does not fit, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saline solution. It is important to know that water will not work for preserving it.
  • Go to a dentist or Emergency Room – The faster the dentist can work, the better the chance of it being restored. If a dentist is unavailable, go to an emergency room. 

If a lost tooth is damaged or reinsertion doesn’t work, dental implants will bring back any smile. Even better, it will keep the mouth healthy! After restorative work is finished, it is possible to want a cosmetic procedure to ensure the new smile looks great.

Dealing with a Lost Tooth 

Losing a tooth as an adult can be an incredibly stressful experience. There are many reasons why teeth fall out. It can be caused by decay in the root of an accidental injury in sports.

Missing teeth are not only bad for a smile; it is horrible for oral health. An empty space in the gums makes for a high risk of infection. The teeth closest to the missing tooth socket may shift to fill the space.

How to Protect a Beautiful Smile

Use healthy dental habits to prevent teeth from falling out because of decay.

  • It is important to brush twice a day and floss at least once a day. Use a rinse daily with a fluoride mouthwash with antiseptic ingredients to help kill bacteria that cause plaque.
  • Eat nutritious and healthy meals. Avoid candy, pretzels, and chips, which remain on the tooth surface. 
  • Ask a dentist about dental sealants, which is a plastic protective coating that is applied to the chewing surfaces of molars to protect from decay.
  • Drink fluoridated water. A glass of fluoridated water each day is needed to protect teeth from tooth decay.
  • Make sure to visit a dentist regularly for professional cleanings and oral exams. 

The Bottom Line 

Everyone wants a smile that lights up a room, but sometimes there are missing teeth that completely ruin a set of pearly whites. It is essential to know the procedure if a tooth falls out and, more importantly, how to prevent it from happening in the first place!