Let’s say you sprained an ankle, What are your first steps? Most of us probably would say something like “plop down on the nearest couch, ice the ankle, elevate it, add some compression and see a doctor if it’s a bad sprain.”
But what about a dental emergency, like a broken tooth? What’s your first step?
Don’t be surprised if you don’t know. Most of us aren’t experts in a situation like this, but after reading this post, you’ll know exactly what to do when a dental emergency happens!
So what exactly is a dental emergency?
A dental emergency is any event that warrants immediate care to save a tooth, stop bleeding from the mouth, or relieve tooth or mouth pain. Some of the most common examples we see at The Dentistry in Naples include cracked or knocked out teeth and tooth aches.
Tips for Treating Common Dental Emergencies
We see our fair share of dental emergencies here in Southwest Florida and we’re equipped to handle them all. If you or a member of your family experiences any of these , call us as soon as possible, and we’ll let you know if a dental visit is necessary.
Knocked Out Teeth
For adults, place the tooth in the socket without touching the root. If that is not possible, place the tooth between your cheek and gums, in milk or in ADA approved tooth preservation solution. It is crucial to keep the tooth wet.
Cracked Teeth
Rinse your mouth, and place an ice pack on your face to reduce the swelling. Wrap the tooth up in wet gauze or a towel, and bring it to the office.
Toothache
Use warm water to rinse your mouth, and gently floss to remove any food. If you note any facial swelling (which may signal infection), come to our office or visit your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Tips for Preventing Emergencies
- Taking the right measures can keep your teeth safe. Here are a few easy precautions you and your family can take each day:
- Use scissors or a tool, rather than your teeth, to open or cut items
- Wear a mouthguard when playing high-impact sports, like football, basketball and soccer.
- Wear a helmet when using a bike, scooter or skateboard
- Never chew hard foods like ice or hard candy
Need more information?
Give us a call or send us an email. We at The Dentistry in Naples are happy to answer your questions!
