Dental Emergencies

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You should never use your teeth to do the job of a tool! One of our young patients got a staple stuck in the roof of her mouth when using her teeth to remove a staple from some paper. The staple was easily removed and there was no damage to her teeth - thank goodness!

You may have heard that an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, but it could also save your teeth. Here's an ounce for you: 

• Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels, and hard candy, all of which can crack a tooth.
• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities.
• Use scissors, NEVER your teeth, to cut things.

If you do find yourself in a dental emergency, knowing what to do can help you save a tooth. Below are some common dental emergencies and what to do if you find yourself in that situation. Here's your pound (hopefully you won't need it, though!)

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, in milk, or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance. Then, 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: 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: 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.

Info from www.mouthhealthy.org