Tooth Knocked Out on a Wildwood Trail or Ball Field?

What do I do if a tooth is knocked out on a Wildwood trail?

If a tooth is knocked out on a Wildwood trail or ball field, keep it moist and get to a dentist fast. ADA MouthHealthy says to keep a knocked-out adult tooth moist at all times. Its next step: “If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root.” If that is not possible, it says to place the tooth “between your cheek and gums, in milk,” or use a tooth preservation product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, it says, get to your dentist’s office right away.

This advice is for adult teeth. For a baby tooth, call a dental office and ask what to do.

Why does this happen around Wildwood?

Wildwood has many trails and ball fields, and falls and flying balls happen there. The Missouri Department of Conservation says Rockwoods Reservation “features about 13 miles of foot trails of varying length and difficulty,” and that it is “open sunrise to one-half hour after sunset daily.” Trails like these can have roots, rocks and wet leaves. Ball fields have hard bats and fast balls.

A trip over a root or a hit from a ball can knock out a tooth. A mouth guard can help protect teeth in sports. Our post on the NFHS mouth protector rule covers football players.

What are the steps, in order?

Follow this list. Stay calm and move fast.

1. Find the tooth. Try not to touch the root.
2. If you can, place it back in the socket without touching the root.
3. If it will not go back, keep it moist. Place it between the cheek and gums, or in milk. ADA MouthHealthy also lists tooth preservation products with the ADA Seal.
4. Call a dentist right away and go.
5. If you cannot reach a dentist, or it is a weekend, go to an emergency room.

A knocked-out tooth is called an avulsed tooth. Putting it back in the socket is called tooth reimplantation. Your dentist will decide what to do next and will talk with you about what to expect.

What should a coach or parent know before a game?

Know where the nearest emergency room is and who has a phone. Tell players that a knocked-out tooth is a reason to stop playing and get help, even if it does not hurt much. Teeth that are hit hard can also be cracked or pushed out of place without falling out. Our guide to a cracked or chipped tooth explains those injuries.

Players with braces or other dental work should tell the coach. After any mouth injury, schedule a dental visit even if the tooth stayed in place. Your dentist can check the tooth and the gum around it.

Who do I call, and when?

The right place depends on the day and on how hurt the person is.

The ADA says that in any dental emergency it is important “to visit your dentist or an emergency room as soon as possible.” Cleveland Clinic says to “call 911 or go to your local emergency room” for difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe pain that is getting worse, or swelling around the neck or under the jaw.

Our office hours are Monday to Wednesday 8am to 5pm and Thursday 8am to 4pm. We do not offer weekend care. Our post on weekend dental emergencies in west St. Louis County explains the options.

What should I pack for a trail or game day?

A little planning helps. Save your dentist’s phone number in your phone and keep a printed card in the car or hiking bag. Some families also carry a tooth preservation product with the ADA Seal of Acceptance, which ADA MouthHealthy lists as an option. A kit does not replace the first steps above. Read our dental emergency guide for a full list.

Next step

Learn about our emergency dentistry page. During open hours, call (636) 273-5866 right away. You can also request an appointment for a follow-up visit.