It can be critical to be prepared for an emergency situation, including a dental emergency. Dental emergencies tend to happen when we least expect it so it’s best to prepare now. In case you or a loved one have to deal with a dental emergency, here are 5 things you should keep in mind:
1. Dental First Aid
Keep these supplies on hand at home and in your mobile first aid kit:
- Disposable gloves
- Alcohol-free antibacterial mouthwash
- A tooth preservation kit
- Nonwoven gauze to manage any oral bleeding
- Dental adhesive or a tube of toothpaste in case a filling or crown falls out
2. Toothache
A severe toothache can become almost unbearable. First try flossing to dislodge any pesky food particles and rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Dissolve a teaspoon of salt into a cup of boiling water. Once this has cooled down, swish it around your mouth for at least 30 seconds. This can help clean the affected area and reduce swelling.
3. Chipped Tooth
If you have chipped or fractured a tooth, keep your tooth clean to reduce your risk for infection. Clean the area immediately with warm salt water or antibacterial mouthwash and call us! If a crack is left untreated, bacteria can enter the sterile inner layer of your tooth, called the pulp, and cause severe damage.
4. Knocked-Out Tooth
If you have a knocked-out tooth, don’t handle the tooth by the roots and don’t wipe it with a cloth. Hold the tooth by the crown (chewing surface) and rinse it with water or milk. You can try to gently insert it back into your mouth or keep it moist in a container of milk while you’re on your way to our office.
5. Our Office’s Information
It’s important to have our contact information and hours handy in case of an emergency! Both our Streetsboro office and Elyria office are open on Saturdays and have evening hours during the week. If you experience a dental emergency, call us as soon as possible to receive emergency dental care.
