Sometimes, the lessons learned on the field go far beyond the game. My name is Dr. Neal with Frisco’s Dentists, and I want to share a story that happened earlier this year where a young wide receiver learned firsthand just how critical quick thinking can be — not just for the play, but for his smile.
The Accident on the Field
It was a typical spring football practice in April 2024. Players were running drills preparing for the upcoming season. During one play, a wide receiver leapt up to catch a pass. As he came down, a defender’s cleat accidentally struck him in the mouth — completely knocking out his lower front canine.
In a matter of seconds, the routine practice turned into a dental emergency.
The team’s athletic trainer rushed onto the field and did something remarkable. He immediately placed it in a container filled with Ringer’s Solution — a neutral saline solution often used in IV bags.
That single decision likely saved the tooth.
Immediate Action Makes All the Difference
They immediately called our office at Frisco’s Dentists to let me know they were on their way. When the patient arrived, I greeted the student and his father — and could tell after smelling the liquid that (thankfully!) it wasn’t alcohol — it was indeed Ringer’s Solution.
Many people make the understandable mistake of placing a knocked-out tooth in alcohol, thinking it’s “sterile.” Unfortunately, alcohol actually kills the delicate fibers — called Sharpey’s fibers — that surround the root of the tooth. These fibers are crucial because they help the tooth reattach to the surrounding bone once reimplanted. They can only survive for about 60 minutes after a tooth is knocked out — so time, and handling, are absolutely critical.
A Successful Reimplantation
After giving the patient a local anesthetic, I carefully reinserted the tooth into its socket. The patient was then fitted with a custom retainer appliance to stabilize and protect the tooth for about 10 days.
The result? The tooth successfully reattached, and after follow-up visits, the player was smiling — and back to normal life — like nothing had happened.
What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
I want to highlight just how important quick and corrective action is in these situations. Here are some key takeaways and steps to follow if you (or your child) ever face a similar dental emergency:
- 🕒 Time matters — the best chance for saving a tooth is within one hour. When in doubt, call an emergency dentist immediately.
- 🧴 Use Ringer’s Solution (Best Option)
If available, immediately place the tooth in Ringer’s Solution to preserve the fibers and keep the root hydrated.
Parents, Coaches and Trainers should always keep Ringer’s Solution in your sports or first-aid kit. - 👄 Carry the Tooth in the Mouth
If no solution is available, place the tooth gently in your mouth, tucked between your cheek and gum. If you can safely reinsert it into the socket in the correct direction, that’s even better. - 👨👩👧 A Parent Can Help
If the child can’t hold the tooth in their mouth, a parent may do so (if they’re comfortable). Keeping the tooth in a saliva-rich environment greatly increases the odds of saving it. While this may seem an odd choice, placing a tooth in your child’s or your own mouth, is FAR better than placing the tooth in any other liquid other than Ringer’s solution as you have a better chance of keeping the fibers on the tooth alive for reattachment. - 🥛 Milk as a Last Resort
If none of the above are possible, place the tooth in milk. Milk’s pH is close to that of saliva and can help preserve the tooth temporarily. This option should only be used as a last resort if you do not have Ringer’s solution or are unable or unwilling to carry the tooth in your mouth.
⚠️ Advise against placing the knocked-out tooth in water
Water is not a viable option, as the pH level of water can be off (it can be more acidic than your think or even too basic) which is harmful to the root’s living cells.
However, placing it in water is better than having the tooth in open air (if you don’t have access to milk. I.e. water is slightly better than carrying the tooth in the palm of your hand and allowing the roots to dry out.
🚫 Never put a knocked-out tooth in alcohol
Alcohol destroys the Sharpey’s fibers.
We’re Here To Help
Thanks to fast action, the right knowledge, and teamwork between the coach, trainer, and dentist, this young athlete’s story had a happy ending — and a reminder for all of us that a saved tooth starts with a smart response. Give us a call at Frisco’s Dentists with any questions, we’re here to help you smile!