Beachside Dental Blog

Dental Emergencies 101

The last thing anybody wants to deal with during their summer vacation is a dental emergency!  In addition to kids being outside more and playing more sports, adults might also find themselves being more active and prone to various dental injuries. 
Below is a list of common dental emergencies and how to deal with them:

What do I do if I knock out a tooth?
    If your child knocks out a “baby tooth”, try to find the tooth and keep it moist while in route to see the dentist.  Chances are a baby tooth will not be re-implanted, but it is helpful for the dentist to see the tooth for themselves.
    If an adult tooth is completely dislodged from the mouth, try to find the tooth and gently rinse the tooth with water or milk while trying not to touch the tooth’s root.  If the tooth is completely intact and clean, you may try to re-implant the tooth yourself before heading to the dental office.  If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.  Contact the dentist, ASAP.

What should I do if I bite my lip or tongue?
If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. Contact the dentist right away or consider going to the emergency room if there is excessive bleeding or the pain is extreme.

What do I do if I have a bad toothache?
For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean it out. Carefully use dental floss to remove any food stuck between your teeth. Do not place aspirin on your aching tooth or gums as it may burn the gum tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.

What can I add to my emergency kit?
The Save-a-Tooth emergency tooth preservation kit is a great addition to any first aid kit in case you lose a tooth unexpectedly.  It's also good idea to have floss on hand in case something gets caught in your teeth.