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Avulsed Tooth First Aid — MFDS Part 1 MCQ

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EasyPaediatric Dentistry PrinciplesAvulsed Tooth First AidMFDS Part 1

An 11-year-old child completely avulses a permanent maxillary incisor during play. The child is conscious and cooperative, there is no suspected head or major facial injury, and the tooth has been found. Which is the most appropriate immediate first-aid advice?

Educational content. Not a substitute for clinical judgement or local policy.

Reveal the answer and explanation

Correct answer: C — Hold the tooth by the crown and replant it immediately if feasible; otherwise place it in milk and obtain emergency dental care

Explanation lettering: E = shown as A · D = shown as B · A = shown as C · B = shown as D · C = shown as E

A is correct. An avulsed permanent tooth should be handled only by its crown and replanted immediately if this is feasible. If it is dirty, it may first be rinsed gently in milk, saline or the patient's saliva without scrubbing the root. If immediate replantation is not possible, the tooth should be kept moist in milk, saliva or saline while emergency dental care is obtained. Discarding the tooth removes any opportunity for replantation. Tap water and antiseptic solutions are unsuitable storage media because they may damage periodontal ligament cells. Keeping the tooth dry or delaying care reduces the likelihood of successful healing and increases the risk of resorption.

Reference: Scottish Dental Clinical Effectiveness Programme (SDCEP), Management of Acute Dental Problems: Injuries to the mouth, face and jaws—Avulsed teeth, current online guidance, accessed 26 August 2026. https://www.acutedentalproblems.sdcep.org.uk/guidance/management-of-oral-conditions/less-common-oral-conditions/injuries-to-the-mouth-face-and-jaws/