Should I Put a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk?

Have you ever been told you should put a knocked-out tooth in milk and thought it was a myth? If so, you are not alone. There are plenty of dental myths out there, that’s for sure. So we are going to tell you what a dentist in Turlock, CA says about whether or not you should put a knocked-out tooth in milk, and if so, why.

Should I Put a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk?

Yes, you should, in fact, put a knocked-out tooth in milk. This is not a myth. And even though that sounds strange or counterintuitive, there is a good reason for it. Of course, it’s always best to put your knocked-out tooth back in its socket when possible while you make your way to the dentist. However, if you can’t, putting your tooth in a glass of milk is recommended.

Unfortunately, the first thing people try to do when they knock out a tooth is put it in water. But that’s not what you should do. Putting your tooth in water could cause the cells on your tooth’s root to swell and burst. That’s where milk differs. Milk has enzymes that help a knocked-out tooth stay alive. It also has sugars that your tooth needs, as well as proteins that will help maintain the correct balance of acids and antibacterial components.

Keeping Your Tooth Moist Is Critical

A knocked-out tooth is considered a dental emergency. If you knock out a tooth, do the following immediately.

• Try to put your tooth back into its socket.
• Hold your tooth in place by biting a towel until you get to the dentist.
• If you can’t re-insert your tooth, put it in a glass of milk.
• If you don’t have any milk handy, put the tooth in your cheek while you are going to the dentist. Don’t put your tooth in water.

If you can’t save your tooth, your dentist will go over your options, such as a dental implant in Turlock, CA. However, you should always do everything you can to save it whenever possible. Always act quickly and never handle your tooth by its root. When handling your tooth, always handle it by the crown (the top white part of the tooth). Additionally, you should never try to re-insert baby teeth, only adult teeth.

What’s Next?

If you need a dentist in Turlock, CA, or any of the surrounding areas, please Contact Progressive Health Dental today. We consider our patients part of the family and strive to make sure everyone receives the highest quality dental care possible in a warm and welcoming environment.