I’ve seen so much conflicting advice on what to do with a tooth that’s been knocked out (like, full horror movie moment, tooth on the ground). Some people say to stick it in a glass of milk and rush to the dentist, others swear by just popping it back in your mouth and holding it in your cheek or under your tongue. I get the whole “keep it moist” thing, but is one actually better than the other?
When my kid lost his tooth playing soccer, I panicked and just put it in a cup of milk because that’s what I remembered reading somewhere. But later someone said saliva is closer to the natural environment for the tooth. Now I’m second guessing myself.
Anyone have real experience with either method? Did the dentist say you did the right thing? Would love to know what worked (or didn’t) for you all.
Title: Knocked-Out Tooth: Milk or Saliva—What’s Actually Better?
I totally get the panic—when my nephew knocked his front tooth out on the playground, it was chaos. We ended up putting it in milk, too, because that’s what I’d always heard. The dentist said that was a good move, but then later I read somewhere that saliva’s even better because it’s closer to what the tooth is used to. Honestly, I’m still confused about which is actually best if you can’t put it back in right away.
Has anyone actually tried just popping the tooth back in the socket themselves? I’ve always wondered if that’s risky or if it really helps save the tooth. Like, did your dentist ever mention if there’s a difference between holding it in your cheek vs. straight-up reinserting it? Just thinking about how much time matters in those situations...
- You did the right thing with milk—most dentists still say it’s a solid option if you can’t replant the tooth immediately.
- Saliva is technically “natural,” but it’s not always ideal. Bacteria in your mouth can mess with the root cells, so holding it in your cheek isn’t as safe as it sounds.
- Re-inserting the tooth yourself? Sounds scary, but if you’re comfortable and the person’s conscious, it’s actually best to pop it back in right away (just don’t force it). Time is everything for saving those root cells.
- I’ve seen people try both—holding it in their cheek vs. putting it back. Dentists I know always say: if you can safely replant, do that. Cheek is better than nothing, but not perfect.
- Don’t beat yourself up—most people freeze in the moment. You acted fast, and that’s what counts. It’s a wild situation for anyone.
Don’t beat yourself up—most people freeze in the moment. You acted fast, and that’s what counts. It’s a wild situation for anyone.
This is honestly so reassuring. I would’ve totally panicked if it happened to me. I always worry I’ll mess something up in an emergency, but it sounds like you did everything right with the milk. Did you feel super anxious after, or did the dentist say you handled it well?
I keep reading different things online about saliva vs. milk, and it’s confusing. Like, I get that saliva isn’t perfect, but I’d be scared to push the tooth back in myself. Has anyone actually done that? Was it as scary as it sounds?
You really shouldn’t feel bad—most people wouldn’t even think of milk in the moment. I’m honestly impressed you remembered. Just reading this makes me feel a little less nervous about what I’d do if it ever happens to me or someone I know.
My youngest managed to knock his front tooth out at a trampoline park (never a dull moment). I panicked, wiped it off (oops, apparently not supposed to), and shoved it in a glass of milk from the snack bar. Dentist later said milk is actually solid in a pinch, so I didn’t totally mess up. Honestly, I’d be way too squeamish to stick a bloody tooth in my mouth—props to those who do, but nope, not for me. The dentist was chill about it and said quick action mattered more than the storage method. Still, I felt like I’d failed some secret parent quiz for weeks after...
