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Guide

What to do after a dental accident

Dental accidents are almost always unexpected. This short sequence is worth knowing before you need it.

A girl in a helmet and knee pads learning to ride a bike, her mother running alongside and holding on

The child first, the tooth second

Loss of consciousness, vomiting, drowsiness after a fall or heavy bleeding need medical attention straight away — call 112 if in any doubt.

The three most common situations

Permanent tooth completely out

  1. Hold it by the crown only, never the root.
  2. Do not clean it.
  3. Put it in a tooth rescue box; cold UHT milk if you have none.
  4. Get to a dentist immediately.

Baby tooth out

Do not put it back. Doing so can damage the permanent tooth bud underneath. Have it looked at promptly all the same.

A piece has broken off

Find the fragment, keep it damp and bring it with you. It can often be bonded back on.

Keep following up afterwards

Injured teeth need review appointments. Discolouration weeks or months later is a classic late sign and should be checked.

There is a fuller account on the dental trauma page.

Related treatment

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    A broken or knocked-out tooth is time-critical. What counts in the first few minutes — and afterwards.

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Last updated on 26 August 2026