Accidents and minor injuries always seem to happen when we least expect them to, and your teeth are no exemption. Hopefully, this never happens to you, but the chances are high that both you and your children will experience a dental emergency at some point in life. Being adequately prepared before a dental emergency happens, can save a knocked out or damaged tooth, prevent bacterial infections, and minimize the need for extensive treatment. This means that you should always be prepared for dental emergencies.
Here are a few tips on how to handle medical emergencies.
- Toothache
A toothache is a common problem experienced by people of all ages. The best way to take care of it is by cleaning the affected area of the tooth. Use some warm water to rinse out your mouth. Then floss to get rid of any food trapped in between the teeth. Use an ice pack if there is any swelling outside the cheek for around 20 minutes. - When Permanent Teeth are Knocked Out
It’s crucial for a patient to seek out immediate medical dental attention from a qualified dentist once the teeth have been knocked out. Most teeth that have been knocked out can be saved if the patient visits a dentist within the first 30 minutes to one hour after the accident has happened. In the meantime, rinse the tooth with some cool, clean water, without cleaning or scrubbing it. If possible, return the tooth to its socket and hold it there using a washcloth or clean gauze. If you can’t do this, place it in a container with saliva, water, or cold milk. - When a Tooth is Chipped or Fractured
Again, immediately contact your dentist as immediate treatment is needed. Rinse your mouth with some water and find any fragments of the broken tooth. Place the fragments in water or cold milk and take them with you to the dentist. - Object Stuck Between Teeth
Try and floss to remove the object and then thoroughly rinse your mouth with water to remove any particles that might be remaining. Do not try to use a pointed or sharp object to remove it. If at all the object is stuck and you are not able to remove it, don’t force it just seek the immediate attention of a dentist. - Mouth or Canker Sore
Mouth or Canker sores are white, small wounds found on the mouth, tongue, gums, or cheek. There can either be caused by vigorous teeth brushing, cheek biting, irritation from dentures, or braces. If you experience this, use hydrogen peroxide on the affected area. The bubbling effect of hydrogen peroxide will help to ease the pain, and you will be able to eat comfortably.
Bottom Line
As it is with any medical emergency, a dental- emergency can happen anytime and without any warning. At the inception of any dental emergency, it is crucial that you contact your dentist right away. At Carrum Downs Dental Clinic, we are always here for you. You can visit or contact any of our dental clinics in Carrum Downs and near Skye, Sandhurst, or Patterson Lakes for personalised medical attention. Accidents do happen, and seeking prompt treatment can mean the difference between saving a tooth. It’s better to deal with a problem earlier, not later!
