People hurrying, rushing, partying, and having accidents – those are facts of life during the holidays. How do you handle a dental emergency when your Spring, Texas, dentist’s office is closed? Here’s a quick guide to handling the more common dental emergencies during the holidays.
♦ My tooth is knocked out
It may be possible to save an “adult” tooth if you act correctly and quickly. Keep the tooth constantly moist. Don’t touch the root of the tooth. Try to gently place the tooth back into its socket, but if you can’t, then:
hold the tooth in your mouth between your cheek and gums, or
keep the tooth in milk, or
use a tooth preservation product with the ADA seal of acceptance
Get to your Spring, Texas, dentist’s office right away. If the office is closed, visit a hospital emergency room.
For a “baby” tooth, keep the tooth moist and go to the dentist right away. It will be important for the dentist to see whether the whole tooth is out or only a part of it. In some cases it may be possible to implant a baby tooth back into the mouth.
♦ A tooth is cracked
Cleaning the cracked tooth area is the first step. Rinse the mouth immediately with warm water to clean the area around the tooth. Use a cold compress (perhaps a clean washcloth) on the face to control the swelling in the area near the tooth. Visit your dentist as soon as possible to repair the crack.
♦ I bit my tongue or lip
Clean the injured area using water or a mild saltwater solution to rinse the wound. Apply a cold compress, such as a moist piece of gauze, tea bag or clean washcloth, directly to the wound to slow the bleeding and control swelling. If the wound is bleeding a lot or won’t stop after about 20 minutes, or if you are really in a lot of pain, then go to your Spring, Texas, dentist or hospital emergency room.
♦I have a toothache
Rinse your mouth with warm water, or a mild saltwater solution, to clean the area. Remove any food caught between your teeth using dental floss gently. Don’t use aspirin on the tooth or gum area because that can irritate the tissue. If the pain becomes severe, contact your Spring, Texas, dentist or visit a hospital emergency room.
♦A crown has come off
If you lose a crown, save it and contact your Spring, Texas, dentist as soon as possible to schedule a visit to repair the problem. To reduce pain, use clove oil to help numb the exposed tooth area.
♦I may have a broken jaw
A broken jaw is serious: visit your dentist or a hospital emergency room immediately. To control swelling and pain, use a cold compress.
♦There’s something stuck in my mouth or teeth
First try to remove the stuck object by gently flossing and rinsing with water. Do not use a sharp or pointed tool of any kind. If you cannot remove the stuck object, then visit your Spring, Texas, dentist.
Prevention is Best!
To reduce the chance of accidents and injuries to jaws, teeth and gums:
Always wear a mouthguard for sports and recreational activities.
Avoid chewing hard and brittle items, such as ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy. Even if it “never happened before,” chewing a hard thing today may crack a tooth that is now older and perhaps weaker.
Use scissors, not your teeth, to cut things!
Schedule professional cleanings at SpringLove Dentistry every six months to keep your teeth and gums healthy and strong.
Keep the contact information for SpringLove Dentistry in your wallet, purse or cell phone. You’ll be glad you can get help if you or a loved one experiences a dental emergency in or near Spring, Texas. Enjoy a safe and happy holiday season!
