4 Ways to Prepare for a Dental Emergency

We don’t often think of medical emergencies as being dental-related. However, it’s just as critical to be prepared for a dental emergency as any other injury. Here are five easy ways to be prepared just in case.

Knowing how to treat a dental emergency is particularly important information, especially if you have kids or you are susceptible to dental injuries. You may be surprised to know that you have some tools you can use in a dental emergency readily available in a typical kitchen. For instance:

• Knocked-Out Tooth — If your permanent tooth falls out, we can save it if you take the right steps and get to our office ASAP. First, only grab the tooth by the crown (the chewing part) and rinse off any dirt or debris with milk or water (but not soap!). Then, try to put it back into place and bite down gently on a piece of gauze. Or, keep your tooth moist in a cup of milk or water until you arrive.
• Broken, Chipped, or Cracked Tooth — Try to save all of the pieces of your tooth and rinse them off. Then, gently rinse out your mouth with warm water to wash away anything that could lead to an infection or cause further damage. If you have any swelling, go to your freezer for some ice cubes and create a cold compress. Apply gauze or a paper towel if the area is bleeding. Call us as soon as possible.
• Toothache — A mixture of salt and warm water is great for toothaches. Together, they act as as a sterilizing agent that can prevent infections. Rinse your mouth and apply an ice pack or a bag of ice to the area of your cheek that’s near your toothache. Don’t apply the cold compress directly to your tooth. If you think your toothache is from a trapped piece of food, try to dislodge it with dental floss. If your toothache persists, call our office.

Do you have a piggy bank or a travel savings jar? Consider creating an emergency dental fund as well. Many people are dealt a financial blow by unexpected dental incidents, so it’s safe to have a stash set aside for emergencies.

Keep a first-aid kit handy with the following materials in case an emergency occurs:

• Gloves for sterile handling of the damaged tooth.
• Mouthwash to keep the affected area clean.
• Special liquid and a container to preserve a knocked out tooth.
• Gauze to manage any bleeding.
• Dental adhesive or a tube of toothpaste in case a filling or crown falls out.

One of the best and easiest ways to be prepared for a dental emergency is to visit us biannually for routine checkups. This will allow one of our dentists to catch any dental issues early on to prevent future toothaches and discomfort. We can fit you with an athletic mouthguard if you play contact sports, or a nightguard if you grind your teeth, and provide additional tips to protect your mouth.

Contact Us ASAP After an Emergency!

If you have suffered from a dental emergency, treat it promptly as best you can and call our office ASAP. It’s vital that you see us immediately, because some teeth cannot be saved if not treated right away! At Riccobene Associates Family Dentistry, we leave room in our schedule to see emergencies the same day you call.