What to Do in Case of a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can occur at any time and especially when you least expect them. Chewing a little too hard on a popcorn kernel or an accidental slip and fall that can damage your teeth, it could be anything. 

No matter what it is, knowing what to do when a dental emergency occurs can make the difference between saving a tooth and losing one. So, let’s take a look at what the best course of action is in case you suffer a dental injury.

Common Dental Emergencies and What You Can Do When They Occur

Here is a list of common dental emergencies and how you should cope with them immediately after they occur:

Cracked Tooth

Rinse your mouth immediately with warm water to clean the damaged area. Then, apply a cold compress to your face to prevent swelling.

Tooth Aches

In case you have a toothache, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Then, use dental floss to remove any food particles lodged between your teeth that may be causing the pain. If the pain is severe, apply an ice pack to your jaw. 

Bleeding Tongue

If your tongue is bleeding, clean the region gently, and apply a cold compress to prevent or reduce swelling.

Knocked-Out Tooth

If possible, try to place the tooth back in its socket without coming into contact with the tooth root. If that’s not possible, place the tooth between your cheek and gum or in a glass of milk. If you have a tooth preservation product at your disposal, you can use it to keep the tooth safe. 

For all these dental emergencies, after following the recommendations above, you should contact and visit your dentist as soon as you can. 

Tips to Ensure Optimal Dental Health

Here are a few tips to help prevent dental emergencies:

• Don’t use your teeth as an alternative to a scissor
• Don’t chew on hard substances like ice cubes or popcorn kernels
• Don’t forget to use a mouth guard if you’re practicing contact sports

In case of a dental emergency, the best course of action is to get in touch with your dentist immediately. They will be able to assess your situation and recommend the best treatment. If you are in Staten Island, contact Dr. Steven H. Brenman, one of the borough’s most experienced dentists at (718) 44745101311, or visit us at 1311 Bay Street, Staten Island, NY 10305.