Emergency · Tips

Broken, cracked or knocked-out tooth: what to do

Maison du Sourire, dental practice in Ganshoren · Updated 12 October 2026

After a fall or a knock, the first few minutes count, especially if a permanent tooth has been knocked out. Here is what to do depending on the situation.

Broken or chipped tooth

• Rinse your mouth with lukewarm water and keep the fragment if you can.
• Store it in milk or in a little saliva: it can sometimes be bonded back on.
• Call the practice: we assess your situation and do our utmost to see you the same day, as a priority if the tooth is bleeding from the centre or is very painful.

Knocked-out permanent tooth

• Pick the tooth up by the crown, without touching the root.
• If it is dirty, rinse it for a few seconds under cold water, without rubbing.
• If possible, gently put it back in its socket and bite on a tissue. Otherwise, keep it in milk or in your mouth against your cheek.
• See a dentist immediately: the chances of saving the tooth decrease quickly.

Knocked-out baby tooth

• Never put a baby tooth back in place: this could damage the permanent tooth underneath.
• Have your child checked by the dentist to examine the gum and the neighbouring teeth.