Handling Dental Emergencies: What You Need to Know

It is not that uncommon to find yourself facing the reality of a broken tooth or injuring your mouth while eating, playing sports, exercising, or taking part in any number of activities. Because of this, you should be aware of what to do when facing a dental emergency so that when you see a dentist, your issue can be addressed. Here are some circumstances to take into account and how to handle each of these potential emergencies.

• If a tooth is knocked out, what should I do? - In the case of a knocked-out tooth, call a dentist right away for an emergency visit. You must see a dentist within one hour of the time when your tooth was knocked out to give yourself the greatest chance of saving the tooth. Grasp the tooth by the top part or crown, not the bottom or root. Gently rinse the tooth with water to remove any dirt. Place it inside your mouth to keep it moist. Do not let it dry out. If you cannot do this, wrap it inside a clean cloth immersed in a saline or milk solution.
• What should I do in the case of a chipped or fractured tooth? - If you should fracture one of your teeth, you should rinse your mouth thoroughly using warm water and keep a cold compress or ice pack near the area to lower swelling. Sometimes, a dentist, like those from Parkland Mall Dental Centre, will be able to smooth out smaller fractures, but other times you may require restorative procedures.
• If I have an injury inside my mouth, what should I do? - Oral injuries include cuts or tears, lacerations to the tongues, lips, or cheek, and puncture wounds. Clean the wound immediately with warm water and visit your dentist for emergency treatment. If an oral surgeon is unavailable, visit your hospital emergency room.

Preparing For Dental Emergencies

Keep certain items and information on hand by putting together an emergency dental kit. You can include your dentist's phone numbers, gauze, saline solution, pain relievers, a handkerchief, and a small container with a lid. Being prepared for these instances can mean a world of difference when it comes down to paying the bill for your future dental procedures.

Avoiding Dental Emergencies

A dental emergency can happen when your tooth breaks, becomes loosened, cracks, or is completely knocked out and avoiding these instances altogether can save you a headache. At times, dental crowns come off of gums, and cheeks or lips get cut. You can avoid dental emergencies using simple precautions, like avoiding hard foods that can crack your teeth, and wearing a mouthguard during