Let’s face it, accidents happen -- and if you’ve had an injury to the teeth, mouth or jaw, you need to see a dentist right away. Fortunately many practices are available for emergency appointments and can treat your situation immediately, at any time.

Dentist 911

Many conditions can be considered dental emergencies -- the important thing is not to wait if you have persistent pain or damage that must be repaired. Before you can be seen by the dentist, you should also take care to preserve the affected teeth, reduce swelling and minimize any pain:

- Knocked Out Tooth -- Gently rinse off the tooth without removing any attached tissue. If possible, hold the tooth in place in the socket. Otherwise, place the tooth in a glass of milk and hurry to the dentist.

- Broken Tooth -- Save any pieces of the tooth and rinse your mouth out with warm water. Apply a cold compress to the area to decrease swelling and pain until you can be seen.

- Object Stuck in Teeth -- Carefully try to remove the object with floss — do not use a sharp instrument. If you’re unable to dislodge it, contact your dentist.

- Toothache -- First use dental floss to make sure there are no lodged particles causing the pain. Rinse your mouth with warm water and use a pain reliever if necessary.

- Lost Filling or Crown -- For fillings, seal the area with a piece of sugarless gum or over-the-counter dental cement. If a crown has come loose, stick it back in place with dental cement, if possible. Otherwise bring the fixture with you and see the dentist right away. -

- Abscess -- If you notice a painful, pimple-like swelling on your gums, rinse with salt water and immediately contact the dentist. Abscesses can lead to more serious infections if not treated promptly.

The Best Defense is a Good Offense

Maintaining good oral health habits is the best way to help prevent dental emergencies and keep your teeth in good shape. Along with regular brushing and flossing, you should take care to avoid chewing on ice, hard candy or popcorn kernels, which could potentially damage teeth. In addition, any physical activity should include a mouthguard to cushion your teeth from excessive force or trauma.

Paying attention to your teeth before problems arise is the easiest way to keep them healthy and strong and avoid unnecessary emergency dental visits.

---

Footnote