Did you know that a glass of milk can save a knocked out tooth?

A knocked-out permanent tooth is a dental emergency. Knocked-out teeth can be re-implanted in many cases. A permanent tooth that is re-implanted within 30 minutes has the highest chance of success.

1. Collect Teeth or Teeth Fragments

• Handle teeth carefully because damage may prevent re-implantation.
• Touch only the crown, the top part of the tooth. Do not touch the root of the tooth.
• Rinse tooth gently only if necessary. Do not scrub, scrape, or use alcohol to remove dirt.

2. Re-Insert or Store Teeth

• Rinse mouth with warm water.
• If possible, reinsert permanent teeth into the correct sockets and have the person bite on a gauze pad to hold teeth in place.
• If you can’t reinsert permanent teeth, or for baby teeth or teeth fragments, store them in whole milk or between your cheek and gum to prevent drying.

 3. Treat Symptoms

• Control bleeding with sterile gauze or cloth.
• For pain and swelling, apply a cool compress. Encourage a child to suck on a frozen pop.
• For pain, take ibuprofen or acetaminophen.