How to Handle Common Dental Emergencies
Ca-nine, one, one! You’ve got a dental emergency! If you are experiencing any of the following, always call your dentist right away, but until you can be seen we’ve compiled a list of common emergencies and how to handle them.
Knock Out!
If a tooth has been accidentally knocked out locate the tooth and rinse with milk or water to clean it. Then place the tooth in water or in your mouth if it is not painful. It is extremely important to keep the tooth moist. When handling the tooth ensure to only touch the crown and not the root of the tooth. Depending on the extent of the injury your dentist may be able to reattach the tooth, but time is of the essence. Call your dentist right away. If the injury is to serve replacement options such as a crown, a bridge, or a dental implant might need to be placed.
Cracked Tooth
If you are experiencing a cracked tooth make sure to rinse out our mouth immediately with warm water, or a warm salt rinse to clean the affected area. If you are experiencing swelling you can use an ice pack to reduce the swelling.
Toothache
The pain you are feeling could mean that you are experiencing an infection. Tooth infections can be caused by decay, a cavity, or gum disease. Many offices, like Stubbs Dental, offer complimentary consultations to perform an exam to find out the exact cause of your pain. Call your local dentist for an appointment so the infection does not spread and the pain worsens.
Missing Crown or Filling
If your dental crown or filling seems to be missing all of the sudden it could mean that decay has formed underneath. The longer you wait to have this issue fixed, the more damage your tooth can experience. If you lost a crown and did not lose or swallow it head to your local drugstore and purchase an over the counter dental adhesive. Do not use super glue. Reattach the crown with the dental adhesive until your dentist can permanently cement it back on.
Foreign Object
If you find yourself with an object stuck in your mouth or your gum it is best to try to remove it with floss. Do not use sharp or pointed instruments as you could cause more damage. Try to gently remove the object with the floss. If needed you can tie knots into the floss to further help with removal. If you cannot safely dislodge the object yourself call you dentist to have them remove and clean the area properly. Do not leave the object to ‘work its own way out’ this can lead to an infection.
Tongue or Lip Cuts
If you have bitten or cut your tongue or lip clean the area general area with a warm water salt rinse and apply a cold compress. If excessive bleeding occurs hold gauze and apply pressure to the bleeding site for 15-20 minutes or until the bleeding subsides. Depending on the depth of the laceration you may require medical attention and stitches. Call your dentist or doctor.
