Should You Put a Knocked-Out Tooth in Milk?
Growing up, you’ve probably heard the idea that if your tooth falls out, you should put it in milk.
Is that just something we heard as kids, or is it a legitimate action to take?
The short answer is yes. Milk has been known to provide moisture and nutrients, proving to be a good preservation method for a fallen-out tooth. This blog will explore more about this question and give you some good insights on what to do if you experience a knocked-out tooth.
Initial Steps
Before looking into how the role milk plays in preserving a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to take the necessary steps before considering it. First, contact your dentist so that they are aware of the situation and can get you scheduled for an appointment. They can also give you some good insights on the next steps for your specific situation.
Next, find the tooth, pick it up by the top, and rinse it off with saline. This will help remove any bacteria and prepare you for the next step. From here, try putting the tooth back in its socket. If the tooth comes out clean without much damage, try gently pushing it back into its socket, but do not try to force or cram it back into it. If you are unable to get the tooth back in its socket, milk is the next best step. Keep reading to understand how milk can aid during this process.
Why Milk?
Milk is one of the best substances for providing preservation to a tooth. When your tooth comes out of its socket, its cells begin to die. However, the properties of milk can help slow and prevent this process. This is because milk is:
- Sterile: Milk is a sterile substance, minimizing the chances of bacteria eating away at the tooth.
- pH Balanced: Milk maintains a decently neutral pH, with slight acidity. This helps the tooth remain viable.
- Moist: The moisture ensures that the tooth won’t dry out.
- Nutrient-Rich: The nutrients and proteins in milk help keep the tooth strong and the cells alive. You’ve always heard that you should drink milk to have strong bones. The same goes for teeth.
Why Not Water?
You may think water is a good solution to put a knocked-out tooth in, but water can actually do more harm than good. Water doesn’t have the nutrients that a tooth needs to continue healthy cell growth. The pH levels in water, especially tap water, can also damage the cells.
How Long Will a Tooth Last in Milk?
As soon as your tooth is knocked out, it should be placed in a glass of milk if you cannot see a dentist immediately. If it sits out for too long before being placed in milk, it may be too dry to save. Putting the tooth in milk buys you about an hour to get to the dentist. After that, even with milk, the chances of saving the tooth go down.
Conclusion
Milk can be a very helpful source if you experience a knocked-out tooth and cannot receive immediate help. Milk has properties that can keep the tooth alive while you wait for a professional reinsertion if needed. If you ever experience this, take the actions presented above in this blog and contact Sandcreek Dental so we can get that beautiful smile properly fixed!
