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| What
to do? Dental emergencies can happen. We see them all the
time in our office. It is important to know what to do if
an emergency happens in your household. |
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Toothache
Rinse the mouth with warm water to clean out any debris.
Use floss to remove any food that may be trapped in the
cavity or in between the teeth. Use cold compresses to stop
swelling. Do not use heat. Do not place aspirin directly
on top of the gums, beside or on the tooth.
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Something
stuck in teeth
Try to remove the object with dental floss. Be careful not
to cut the gum. Do not use a sharp or pointed object (such
as a toothpick) to remove what is stuck between the teeth.
If you can't remove it and it is causing discomfort, see
a dentist.
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Knocked
out tooth
Do not scrub or rub the tooth. Gently, without touching
the root (portion of tooth that is below the gumline), rinse
the tooth in milk or saline contact lens solution. If you
can, put the tooth back into its socket immediately. If
you can't reimplant the tooth, store it in milk or saline
solution and bring it with you to the dentist immediately.
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Problems
with braces and retainers
If a wire is causing pain, cover the end with a small piece
of wax or gauze. See your orthodontist if it is causing
you too much discomfort to wait until your next appointment.
If a wire is imbedded in the cheek, do not try to take it
out yourself. If part of the braces or retainer is loose
or broken, call your orthodontist for help.
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Bitten
tongue
Apply direct pressure to the bleeding area with a clean
cloth. Use cold compresses if there is any swelling. If
the bleeding does not stop, or if you think the bite is
severe, go to a hospital emergency room.
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Copyright
2008 Dr. Saari  |