Tooth Talk

Someone asked recently if it's really possible to replace a tooth that has been knocked out of a mouth--or is the idea just wishful thinking. Fact is you can probably get the tooth back in the empty socket if you don't dally. Hold the tooth by the crown (the white part) and gently rinse it clean. Do not scrub it clean. The tooth's owner should rinse his or her mouth clean with water, as if rinsing the mouth after a tooth brushing, spitting out, of course, the rinse water. Be sure to orient the tooth correctly, and press it gently but firmly into the socket. It should settle in with a soft and satisfying little "click." This does not necessarily mean the tooth will survive--but it does have the best chance in the socket. If you can't get the tooth back in the socket, save it, preferably in milk (yes, that story is true), but water will do. However, an hour or more away from a dentist and the tooth is unlikely to be successfully replaced.