Most people put a lot of effort into keeping their teeth healthy and smile beautiful, but unfortunately, on occasion, dental accidents occur. Knowing what to do when a dental injury occurs can mean the difference between a saved tooth and a lost tooth. Today, Memorial Heights ER is going to cover some common dental emergencies and what you should do!
On occasion, dental injuries result in a dislodged tooth. For a child, losing a primary tooth may not be a big deal as permanent teeth will eventually erupt. However, we always recommend having their mouth examined to ensure no other damage has occurred to affect the growth of their adult teeth.
For permanent teeth that become dislodged, we recommend keeping the tooth moist. Placing it back into the socket may work if it doesn’t cause pain or discomfort. If that is not possible, placing the dislodged tooth between your cheeks and gums can also help. Placing a dislodged tooth in milk can also be an alternative way of preserving the affected tooth. You should then immediately seek dental care to try and save the tooth.
Dental emergencies can sometimes result in chipped, cracked or even broken teeth. In this situation, we recommend immediately rinsing your mouth with warm water to clean it. If swelling occurs, place a cold compress on the area. Next, we recommend seeking immediate dental care to see what treatment options may be used to repair the damage and protect your tooth.
Tips for Avoiding Dental Emergencies
- If partaking in sports/athletic activities, talk to your dentist about a sports mouthguard and be sure to always wear it!
- Do NOT chew hard candy, kernels, ice or any other hard food/objects.
- Do NOT use your teeth as scissors or a way to hold objects.
If you do experience a dental emergency, remember that time is typically of the essence. Neglecting to seek professional emergency dental care could result in more damage, decay or even an infection.