Dental emergencies frequently happen at inconvenient times. Nevertheless, professional dental help is often available within a few hours of an emergency's occurrence. Many oral health practitioners who specialize in emergency dentistry receive patients after normal office hours.

To protect your dental health, when a dental emergency arises, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. One common dental emergency is the dislodging of a tooth.

Here are a few steps that you can take before you reach the dental office to prevent the death of a dislodged tooth.

Rinse the Tooth

Rinse the tooth to remove dirt and debris that the tooth may have encountered once it fell from your mouth. Only a gentle rinsing is needed. The soft tissue that may still be attached to the tooth should remain in place to aid in the tooth's reintegration into the mouth. Thus, avoid scrubbing the tooth vigorously. Additionally, do not use soap or other detergents to clean the tooth.

If Possible, Place the Tooth Back in Your Mouth

If your oral tissues have not been severely damaged, you may be able to hold the tooth in the pocket of your inner cheek or even in its socket. The tooth is already accustomed to the pH and moist environment of your mouth. Keeping it in your oral cavity can help preserve it.

If You Can't Hold the Tooth in Your Mouth, Place It in a Glass of Milk or Water

If the tooth cannot be held in the mouth due to tissue damage or the likelihood of swallowing, place it in a container of milk to preserve it. Be sure that the entire tooth is covered by the white liquid. It is best to place the tooth into the milk as soon as possible to prevent the tooth from drying out.

If milk is unavailable, a glass of water can serve as an alternative. Just be sure not to leave the tooth in the open air, uncovered by a suitable liquid.

Contact Your Dentist Quickly

The longer the tooth remains detached from your mouth, the greater the likelihood that reintegration will be unsuccessful. As a result, it's important to contact your dentist immediately after the dislodging takes place. Some emergency dentists take walk-ins and may not require the scheduling of an appointment.

To learn more about the preservation of a dislodged tooth, schedule a consultation with a dentist in your local area.