It’s an alarming situation that can happen to anyone at any time:having a tooth knocked out. The good news is that it can be saved by actingquickly and properly. However, if you store your newly dislodged toothincorrectly, you drastically reduce your chances of successful reattachment. Here’swhy experts recommend keeping it in milk and what you should avoid storing itin until you can reach your emergencydentist.
Why Store My Tooth in Milk?
After you locate your knocked-out tooth, carefully pick itup by the crown, and gently rinse it off, you need to store it somewhere safeuntil you can get to your emergency dentist. While that would ideally be backin its socket, a glass of milk is the next best option. Any kind of cow’s milkwill:
- Keep the tooth moist and viable.
- Maintain the tooth’s regular fluid balance.
- Prevent infection with its antibacterialproperties.
- Use its natural proteins to balance the pHlevels.
- Feed the living cells of the tooth with itssugars.
If the tooth is dry for more than 15 minutes, it’s much lesslikely to be saved. However, if it’s put in milk within five minutes of beingknocked out, the tooth root’s cells can survive for 30-60 minutes.
Can I Keep My Tooth in Water?
You can clean a knocked-out tooth by rinsing it off withwater, which will remove any debris or bacteria. However, the tooth should notbe stored in water. When the cells from the tooth root’s surface come into contactwith water, they will start to swell. Eventually, they could burst and die.
What If I Don’t Have Any Milk?
Unfortunately, teeth don’t always get knocked out close to arefrigerator or grocery store. If you don’t have any milk, saliva can also beused to preserve the tooth. One option is to put the tooth back in your mouthand hold it between your cheek and gums. If you’re concerned about choking onit, put the tooth in a container and spit in it until the tooth is fullycovered. While it may seem silly, it’s much better than holding your tooth inyour hand or putting it in water.
While having a tooth knocked out is an overwhelmingexperience, a few simple steps can go a long way to improve your chances ofreattachment. With quick action, proper storage, and a visit to your localemergency dentist, you should be able to regain your beautiful and fully intactsmile!
About the Author
If you experience a dental emergency like a knocked-outtooth in Pantego, TX, South Arlington Dental Care is here to help. Dr. PrachiShah offers convenient evening and early morning appointments as well as 24/7phone service to be there for you whenever a dental emergency strikes. Once atthe office, she’ll use the latest dental technologies and techniques to help youregain your smile. If you’d like to learn more, she can be contacted throughher websiteor at (817) 860-2222.
