Dental injuries need prompt professional advice. If there is uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness, breathing difficulty or suspected facial fracture, seek emergency medical care first.

A knocked-out adult tooth

Hold the tooth by the crown, not the root. If dirty, rinse briefly and gently—do not scrub. If possible, place it back in the socket without forcing it. Otherwise keep it moist in milk and reach a dentist urgently. Do not reinsert a baby tooth.

A broken tooth

Rinse gently, save any fragments, use a cold compress outside the face and avoid biting on the area. Even a small fracture may expose sensitive inner layers.

After the emergency

Follow-up is important because complications can develop later. A mouthguard can reduce risk during contact sports.