7-1-15
Injuries to the mouth can include teeth being chipped or fractured and even knocked out. Additional injuries can include lips, gums, tongue, and cheeks. No matter the type of injury it’s a guarantee that they are painful and should be treated by a dentist as soon as possible.
Let’s review some common emergencies and what to do!
What do you do when a tooth is knocked out?
• Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment
• Handle the tooth by the crown, not the root
• Rinse the tooth in water to remove dirt
• Gently place the clean tooth back in the tooth socket or wrap in gauze and immerse in milk
What do you do when a tooth is pushed out of position?
• Call the dentist for an emergency appointment
• Attempt to reposition the tooth to its normal alignment using very light pressure/ do not force the tooth
• Avoid wiggling or moving the tooth
What do you do when a tooth is fractured? (chipped or broken?)
• Call your dentist for an emergency appointment to determine how severe the fracture is and what can be done to restore the tooth
• Rinse mouth with warm water
• Use an ice pack to reduce swelling if present
• Use ibuprofen for pain
What do you do when tissues are injured like deep cuts to the cheeks or tongue?
• Clean the wound right away with warm water
• If bleeding is heavy place gauze and pressure on the wound
• Call your dental office for an emergency appointment. It is possible that stitches will need placed.
Are there any precautions that your recommend to avoid dental emergencies?
• Wear a mouth guard when participating in sports or recreational activities
• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and things that can crack a tooth
• Remember your teeth are not tools! Don’t use them to cut and tear anything other than food!
Knowing what to do when a dental accident occurs could mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth. If you or a loved one has a dental emergency, call us at 419-228-4036.
Until next time,
Keep smiling, sharing, and caring
