If you experience a dental emergency, the best thing to do is go to your dental office as soon as possible. However, as with any injury, being prepared can help you provide first aid to the injury so it’s more likely to heal effectively.
The Dental First Aid Kit
The first step to being prepared for a dental emergency is to have a dental first aid kit. Similar to a regular first aid kit, this kit should include some items specifically for dealing with injuries to the mouth and teeth. A typical dental first aid kit includes:
- Gauze to stop bleeding
- Mouthwash for disinfectant
- Toothpaste or dental adhesive for loose crowns or fillings
- A small cup to store a knocked-out tooth
If a tooth is knocked out, it can be stored in the small cup with milk or with an over-the-counter product specially designed to protect the tooth. The more quickly the tooth is treated in a dental office, the more likely it is that the tooth can be successfully set back into place. If a crown or filling falls out, an adhesive normally used for dentures can be used to hold it in place and protect the tooth until you can have it replaced. If you do not have a dental adhesive, toothpaste will work on a temporary basis.
Types of Dental Emergency
A dental emergency doesn’t always mean a tooth has been knocked out. Any injury to the mouth or teeth could constitute an emergency. A blow to the face could push teeth through the lips or cheeks. It could also break the teeth or damage facial bones. In any of these situations, it’s important to get to a doctor or dentist as soon as possible.
Common causes of dental injuries include:
- Automobile accidents
- Falls
- Bicycle accidents
- Contact sports
Wearing a mouth guard if you play contact sports can help prevent injuries to your mouth and teeth. Other common-sense preventive measures include wearing your seatbelt, using a helmet when you bike, and avoiding slippery or uneven surfaces when walking.
If you incur a dental emergency, call Dr. Daggula and her team to take care of you.
