Managing Dental Emergencies

Just like being trained and prepared for situations that require first aid, it is also important to be prepared for medical emergencies. If faced with a dental emergency that involves trauma to the teeth, don’t panic and follow these easy to remember steps until you get to a dentist.

Chipped Tooth – Accidents occur in the playground and other places easily and chipped teeth is a common problem, especially amongst children. If you or someone around you break or chip a tooth, save the pieces. Rinse the pieces with warm water. Also rinse your mouth with warm water. If there is bleeding, apply gauze to the affected area. You can apply a cold compress to the area after the bleeding stops. See your dentist as soon as possible with the broken pieces. While it may not be possible to reattach the pieces, it is best to take them with you.

Dislodged Tooth – If your tooth becomes partly dislodged, you need to get to the dentist immediately. While you get there, apply a cold compress to the area so that the swelling goes down.

Knocked-out Tooth – If your tooth has been knocked out, try to find it and pick it up by the crown end. Don’t pick it up by the root. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it but don’t scrub it. Scrubbing it will damage the tissue fragments. Knocked-out teeth have the best chance to be saved if they are put back into the right place within an hour. Try to place the tooth back into the right place without forcing it. If you are not able to insert the tooth the right way, place it in a container of milk, or water that has a pinch of salt.

In any instance, rush to the dentist so your tooth is saved in time.