Knocked out a tooth? Saw this wild story…

Adrenaline definitely takes over, but I guess next time I’d try to just go for it... easier said than done.

Totally relate to that. When my nephew knocked his tooth out at the playground, I just froze for a second - felt like time slowed down. We ended up putting it in milk, but I kept second-guessing myself later. Is the risk of doing it wrong worse than waiting for a dentist? In the moment, it’s hard to think logically. It’s wild how your brain just blanks on all the “best practices” you’ve read about.

That hesitation is so real - I’ve had it myself, even after reading up on what to do. I always wonder if it’s better to try replanting the tooth right away or just keep it safe and rush to the dentist. Has anyone actually tried putting a tooth back in themselves?

I’ve actually tried putting a tooth back in - yeah, it sounds wild, but panic mode kicked in. I rinsed it off (gently), shoved it back in, and bit down on some gauze. Not gonna lie, it felt super weird and I was half convinced I’d made things worse. Dentist later said quick action helps, but you’ve gotta be careful not to touch the root too much. Honestly, if you can’t get it in easily, just keep it in milk or your mouth and bolt to the dentist. The techy part of my brain wishes there was an app for this...

The techy part of my brain wishes there was an app for this...

Wouldn’t that be something? “Siri, my tooth’s on the floor - what now?” I’ll admit, I’ve never managed to actually pop one back in myself, but I did once wrap a baby tooth in a napkin and forget it in my pocket… only to wash it with the laundry. Dentist told me later milk’s the way to go, but who keeps milk handy at a baseball game? Anyway, your method sounds braver than most. That weird feeling is no joke - like putting a puzzle piece back where it doesn’t quite fit.

I get what you’re saying about milk, but I’ve always wondered - does it really work that much better than just popping the tooth in your mouth? Back in the day, my dentist said saliva’s not ideal, but honestly, who’s carrying a cooler of milk around? Once, when my grandson lost a tooth at the playground, we just stuck it under his tongue and rushed over. Never did find out if that made any difference, but the dentist didn’t seem too fussed. Maybe it’s more about getting there quick than what you store it in? The whole thing still gives me the heebie-jeebies...