Accidents happen, and knowing what to
do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving and losing a tooth.
Here are some common dental emergencies and how to deal with them. For all
dental emergencies, it’s important to visit your dentist as soon as possible.
Most dentists reserve time in their daily schedules for emergency patients so
be sure to call your dentist and provide as much detail as you can about your
condition. If the accident occurs when your dental office is not open, visit
your local emergency room.
Question: What do I do if I knock out
my tooth?
Answer: For a knocked-out permanent or adult
tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in
the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in
between your cheek and gums, or in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right
away.
Q: What if I crack my tooth?
A: For a cracked tooth, immediately rinse the mouth with
warm water to clean the area. Put cold compresses on the face to keep any
swelling down. See your dentist as soon as possible.
Q: If I bite my tongue or lip, how do I
treat it?
A: If you bite your tongue or lip, clean
the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to
the emergency room as soon as possible.
Q: How do I treat a toothache?
A: For toothaches, rinse your mouth with warm water to
clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between your
teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum
tissue. If the pain persists, contact your dentist.
Q: What if I think my jaw is broken?
A: If you think your jaw is broken apply cold
compresses to control the swelling. Go to your dentist or a hospital emergency
department immediately.
Q: How do I remove an object that’s
stuck in my mouth or teeth?
A: For objects stuck
in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with
a sharp or pointed instrument. See your dentist or go to the emergency room as
soon as possible.
Q: How can I avoid a dental emergency?
A: There are a number of simple precautions you
can take to avoid accident and injury to the teeth:
•
Wear a mouthguard when participating in
sports or recreational activities.
•
Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and
hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
•
Use scissors, NEVER your teeth,
to cut things.
Above article from:
www.MouthHealthy.org
Dentists Clemmons NC
Tel: (336) 766-0511
2554 Lewisville Clemmons Rd
Clemmons, NC 27012
With the American population living longer, seniors' oral health has become an important issue, as has the widespread problem of elder abuse. Every year more than 2.5 million older Americans may be victims of elder abuse, and in some cases dentists serve as the first line of defense, according to a report in the May/June 2005 issue of General Dentistry, the clinical, peer-reviewed journal of the Academy of General Dentistry (AGD).
Being cavity-free doesn’t ensure you are in the clear where gum disease is concerned. That’s because gum disease is painless and many people have no idea they have it. Gums that bleed easily or are red, swollen or tender is a sign of gingivitis, the earliest stage of gum disease and the only stage that is reversible. When caught early gingivitis can usually be eliminated by a professional cleaning at the dental office, followed by daily brushing and flossing.
The best way to find out why a tooth is sensitive is to have dental professional examine you. They can look for the signs of dentin exposure, and run tests to determine what the true cause of the sensitivity is. Sometimes, the sensitivity is due to a cavity or gum disease – these can be treated to address the sensitivity. Other times, the cause of the sensitivity is because the enamel has been lost through abrasion or erosion, or the gums have receded, causing the roots to be exposed.
Types of mouth sores include canker sores, cold sores, leukoplakia and candidiasis. They vary in their severity and causes. Mouth sores could be the symptom of a disease or disorder; infection from bacteria, viruses or fungus or result from irritation caused by braces, dentures or the sharp edge of a broken tooth or filling. Your dentist should examine any mouth sore that lasts a week or longer. 
If your mouth or jaw hurt, it could be from a toothache. Toothaches usually indicate a cavity but they can also signal gum disease. In some cases, a toothache is a sign of an abscess or impacted tooth. A toothache should be evaluated by a dentist right away to determine the cause of the problem and prevent the tooth from dying.
Your mother was right: Never open bottles, packages, or other containers with your teeth. You might permanently chip or crack the enamel.
