If a tooth is knocked out, can it be saved?

Question:

I’m a mother of three boys whom are very active in sports.  Is it true that if a tooth gets knocked out, it can be saved if I stick in back into the socket and leave it there until we can visit the dentist?

Answer:

This may sound awkward to some but its actually true!!  The sooner you return the tooth to the “socket”, the greater the chances of the tooth’s survival.  Of course, it’s best to rinse the tooth out with Milk first…yes Milk!

If a child’s tooth, or any tooth for that matter, is knocked out, here are some steps to take:

• If the tooth is covered in dirt or other debris, rinse the tooth off with either Milk or saliva.  Actually, its best to rinse the tooth out with a solution called “Hanks Balanced Salt Solution” or even “Viaspan” (an organ transplant solution), but no one realistically walks around with these solutions on hand.
• If possible, place the tooth back in the socket ASAP!!
• If this is not possible, place the tooth in milk, or saline, or saliva, and go to the dentist immediately.  The tooth can survive for 6 hrs in milk and only 2 hours in saliva, so the sooner you can make it to the dentist, the better.  If not possible, the tooth can be transported in water, but it won’t survive very long.

Hope this helps and good luck!