When a tooth has been knocked out, what is the best way to care for it?

When a tooth has been knocked out, the priority is to preserve the tooth and keep it viable for possible re-implantation. Keeping the tooth moist is critical because a dry tooth is more susceptible to irreversible damage. Saliva is an ideal medium for maintaining the health of the tooth since it provides a nutrient-rich environment that can help prevent the tooth from drying out and increases the chances of successful reattachment by a dentist.

While there are other methods to handle a knocked-out tooth, such as submerging it in water or placing it in antiseptic solutions, these options are not ideal. Water can cause the tooth to swell and become damaged, while antiseptic solutions can be too harsh and may harm the delicate cells on the tooth's root that are crucial for reattachment.

Thus, placing the tooth in saliva, whether by gently putting it back into the socket (if possible), or keeping it in a container with the individual’s saliva or in the cheek pouch, offers the best chance of preserving the tooth until professional dental help is available.