While dental emergencies occur far less often than other
health-related traumas. it is wise to be prepared to
handle such situations. The following information
explains how to handle some common dental emergencies.
Broken Tooth -
Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area surrounding
the affected tooth. Next, apply a cold compress
to reduce the swelling and contact your dentist immediately.
Cut/Bitten Tongue or Lip -
Clean the area with a cloth. Apply a cold compress to reduce
the swelling. If the affected area continues to bleed or swell,
see your local emergency room physician immediately.
Food/Objects Caught Between Teeth -
Use dental floss to try gently removing the object. If this is
not successful, consult your dentist.
Knocked-Out Tooth -
Retrieve the tooth, if possible, and hold it by the crown.
Do not try to clean the tooth or touch the root. If possible,
place the tooth back in its socket. If not, place the tooth
in a container of milk or water and immediately see your dentist.
Remember that time is of the essence. The longer your tooth
is out of the socket, the less chance there is that it will
be saved.
Toothache -
When you experience a toothache, you should rinse your mouth with
warm water and check to make sure that food or other objects have
not become lodged in the area surrounding the affected tooth. If
that doesn't work and you're still in pain, consult
your dentist for further treatment. Also, be sure not to
rub aspirin or painkillers on the area surrounding the toothache
as this can result in a burn on the mouth.
Preventing a dental emergency is always easier than
handling one. Here are some tips to help you avoid dental
emergencies:
Use seatbelts and car seats when traveling in
an automobile, airplane or train.
Wear appropriate safety equipment (such
as a mouthguard or helmet) during sports, exercise
and other activities.
Use safety items in your home to avoid falls
and other accidents (such as closet latches, corner
guards and safety gates).
You should also keep your dentist's contact information readily
available. Then if a problem arises, you can call for a
phone consultation. Should you experience a dental emergency
away from home, contact the local emergency room or state dental
society for a referral.
