In short: Hold a knocked-out tooth only by the crown, without touching the root; if it is dirty, rinse it under water for no longer than 10 seconds. Wrap it in cling film with the person’s saliva or put it in oral rehydration solution — if you have none, in cow’s milk. Get to a dentist as soon as possible, together with the tooth. All 38 first-aid instructions, based on state-institution and international guidelines (Lithuanian Ministry of Health, NVSC, VVKT, ERC, IFRC), are in the InCaseMap app and work offline — together with a map of hospitals, pharmacies and shelters.
What to do
- Stop the bleeding: let them bite on a damp dressing (not a small child, an upset or drowsy person – they may swallow it).
- Hold the tooth only by the crown, do not touch the root.
- If it is dirty, rinse it under water for no longer than 10 seconds.
- Wrap it in cling film with some of the person’s saliva, or put it in oral rehydration solution. If you have none – in cow’s milk, and if there is none – in a cup with the person’s saliva.
- As soon as possible – to a dentist, together with the tooth.
What not to do
- Do not keep the tooth in water, sour milk or saline.
Frequently asked questions
What should I keep a knocked-out tooth in?
In cling film with the person’s saliva or in oral rehydration solution; if you have none — in cow’s milk, and otherwise in a cup with saliva.
Should I keep the tooth in water?
No. Do not keep the tooth in water, sour milk or saline.
Sources
- European Resuscitation Council Guidelines 2021: First aid. Resuscitation 2021; 161: 270–290 doi.org
- IFRC International First Aid, Resuscitation and Education Guidelines 2020 ifrc.org
Based on: European Resuscitation Council (ERC), International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC). Translated from the Lithuanian text checked 5 October 2026.
Call 112 first and do what the operator says — their instructions come before this page; do not hang up until they tell you to. This page does not replace first-aid training.
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