What should you do when teeth are knocked out due to an injury?

When teeth are knocked out due to an injury, having the person bite down on a clean dressing is important for several reasons. Firstly, this action helps control bleeding by providing gentle pressure to the area where the tooth was lost. It can also minimize movement in the affected area, which reduces the risk of further injury. Using a clean dressing is critical to prevent infection and promote a more favorable environment for potential re-implantation by a dental professional.

Storing the tooth in tap water is not advisable because it can damage the tooth's root cells, making successful re-implantation more difficult. Keeping the tooth in ice may preserve its condition somewhat, but it does not provide the ideal environment for the root. Instead, the best practice is to keep the tooth moist by placing it in a container with the person's saliva or a saline solution. Calling for emergency help is essential, but it's more effective if immediate first aid is administered while waiting.