What is an effective way to manage a tooth that has been knocked out?

Storing a knocked-out tooth in milk is an effective method because milk contains nutrients that help preserve the root of the tooth, increasing the chances of successful re-implantation by a dental professional. When a tooth is knocked out, it's crucial to handle it by the crown (the part that is normally visible in the mouth) and avoid touching the root, as the root surface cells can be damaged.

In situations where saliva is not available, milk acts as a suitable alternative because it maintains a similar pH level to that of human saliva. This environment helps keep the tooth moist and viable until it can be reinserted. Quick action is essential in these cases, as the likelihood of saving the tooth diminishes the longer it remains outside the mouth.

Other methods such as rinsing with mouthwash can potentially harm the tooth by introducing chemicals that are too harsh, while placing the tooth back into the original socket should only be attempted if you can do so without risking further damage or infection. Keeping the tooth between the gum and cheek may not provide adequate moisture and could also lead to other complications.