Dental emergencies are common but often overlooked. However, during this pandemic, it’s extremely important to be aware of them. This blog will explain some common dental emergencies and what to do if one occurs.
Knocked-out Teeth
If a permanent tooth is lost, the key is to try to keep it moist at all times. First, locate the tooth, rinse it gently with cool water, and then try to hold it in place without damaging the tooth or the roots. If you can’t keep it in place, put it in between your gums and cheek, in milk, or a tooth preservation product. Then, contact your dentist as quickly as possible or go to the emergency room.
Broken or Chipped Teeth
If you crack a tooth or multiple teeth, immediately rinse your mouth out with warm water, stop the bleeding if necessary, and apply cold compression to your face to reduce any swelling. Keep the missing piece if you can, and contact your dentist as quickly as possible. The quicker you get treatment, the greater chance you have to save the tooth and you can decrease the chances of it getting infected.
Toothache
A toothache could be related to a number of different problems so it’s imperative that you get treatment as soon as you can. Until you get into your dentist, try rinsing your mouth with warm saltwater, taking over the counter pain medication, gently rubbing the sore area with an antiseptic that contains benzocaine, and/or cold compressing on your cheek. Make sure not to use heat or aspirin in the affected area. Also, a toothache could be caused by something as simple as a piece of food stuck in your teeth, so try flossing!
Bitten tongue or lip
If you bite your tongue or lip, just rinse with water and apply a cold compress to reduce swelling and pain.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
Prevention is the best form of treatment when it comes to dental emergencies, but some things are hard to avoid. A few key prevention tips include using a mouthguard when participating in sports, avoiding chewing on hard foods like popcorn kernels, ice, or hard candy, and never using your teeth to open packages or cut things. You’d be surprised how easily all of these can break or chip a tooth! If you have small children around the house, you could do some simple childproofing on dangerous spots around the house.
Kulesa Dentistry in Reno, NV
We’re open and seeing patients! In accordance with Governor Sisolak’s changes to the Stay at Home orders, we have reopened our office. In an effort to keep our patients safe and healthy, we have instituted a number of extra precautions. If you would like to schedule an appointment, you can contact us here!
Dr. Kulesa is one of the most trusted practitioners in the greater Northern Nevada area. He and his team have the best treatments for your dental emergency Reno. Don’t wait any longer to get in!