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Dental Hygiene Tips
Dental Emergencies
It is important to
know that the trauma of injuries to the mouth and teeth may be
reduced if action is taken as soon as the injury occurs. The
suggestions below could help to lessen pain, speed the healing
process and even save a tooth following a dental emergency.
Toothache
If a toothache develops,
gently clean the painful area using a soft-bristle toothbrush and
floss. Rinse with warm salt water. Do not place an aspirin on the
gums or tooth, as this may cause a burn. Apply a cold compress to
any facial swelling. Take acetaminophen (for example, Tylenol®)
and call your dentist as soon as possible.
Lost tooth
If a permanent tooth is knocked completely
out, call your dentist immediately for an emergency appointment. It
is critical to get the injured person and the tooth to the dentist
within 30 minutes of the accident, as it may be possible to
successfully re-implant the tooth. If possible, gently place the
tooth back in its socket as a means of transport. Otherwise, place
it in enough milk, salt water or saliva to cover the tooth. If none
of these are available, use plain tap water. You may also place the
tooth between the cheek and gum (unless the patient is a young child
who may swallow it.)
Loosened tooth
If a tooth is pushed either inward or outward,
try to reposition it using very little pressure. Do not force the
tooth into its socket. Try to get the injured person to the dentist
as soon as possible. The tooth may be stabilized and held in place
on the way to the dental office with a moist tissue or gauze.
Broken tooth
First, rinse the mouth with warm water to keep
it clean. Immediate dental care is necessary. The treatment will
depend on the severity of the fracture and could range from
smoothing out a chipped area to bonding with a tooth-colored
material, to placing a crown on the tooth. If there has been damage
to the tooth's nerve, root canal therapy may be necessary as well.
Soft tissue injury
The tongue, lips or
cheeks may be bitten, cut or punctured. If there is bleeding, apply
firm pressure with gauze or a clean cloth. If bleeding does not stop
within 15 minutes, contact your dentist immediately. Stitches may
necessary. Otherwise, clean the area with warm water on gauze or a
clean cloth. Apply an ice compress to the bruised or swollen area
and contact your dentist for further instructions.
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Can't find a topic or answer for your
question? Call Dr. Morton's office at 817.731.6496 and his
staff will help you get the answers.
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