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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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.


Copyright  2008 Dr. Saari