Tooth injuries tend to be dramatic events. One or several knocked-out teeth will compromise your oral health and the look of your smile. What matters most is how you respond to this unfortunate incident. Some tooth injuries are fairly minor and do not require intensive treatments.
Other tooth injuries are more serious and require the attention of a skilled oral health professional. It is imperative you have the proper first aid materials available in your home to tend to these injuries in a timely manner.
Even if the injury is severe, treating it with an at-home first aid kit prior to visiting the dentist has the potential to save the tooth.
Every first aid kit should contain the supplies necessary to tend to minor mouth irritations and injuries. This means your first aid kit should contain a dental mirror, sterile gauze, cotton swabs, cotton balls, a sealable plastic bag for the disposal of bloody swabs/gauze, tweezers, a toothbrush, aspirin and a washcloth.
It also makes sense to add dental wax, paraffin, an instant ice pack, a washcloth, an oxygenating oral cleanser, medical exam gloves and dental floss to your kit. If you are wondering why dental floss is in the list above, you are not alone. Most people question why floss is necessary for such a kit. Floss removes objects stuck between teeth and gums better than most other tools.
Once you remove the object in question, rinse with water so leftover particles are washed away. It is always better to use floss to remove wedged objects as opposed to attempting to use a pointed or sharp instrument. If floss does not remove the item in question, meet with your dentist as soon as possible for a safe and efficient removal.
Aspirin should be in every at-home first aid kit. If you hold a bias against aspirin, put Tylenol in your kit. Even an oral anesthetic will help to minimize pain before you can visit the dentist.
A cold compress will prove quite helpful for mouth injuries, toothaches and swelling. Apply a cold and wet washcloth to the side of the face where you feel pain. You can also apply an ice pack to alleviate pain and swelling. Apply the cold compress or ice for 20 minutes.
Let your mouth and cheek rest for another 20 minutes. If the pain or swelling is still present, reapply the cold compress or ice pack for another 20 minutes. Do not apply any form of heat. Choose something cold and you will find your mouth feels that much better.
Add a couple containers to your at-home first aid kit for tooth injuries so you can preserve knocked-out teeth until you can meet with the dentist. These diminutive containers will protect your tooth from the elements, contact with potentially damaging substances and ensure you do not lose track of its location prior to your visit to the dentist.
Request a dental appointment here: http://www.thanasasdds.com or call Thanasas Family Dental Care at (248) 260-2878 for an appointment in our Troy dental office.
When a dental emergency hits, it is important to know where to go to access the right care. An emergency dentist is often the right provider, although life-threatening emergencies require a trip to the emergency room. Learning when to go to the emergency dentist versus the emergency room can save you time, money, and discomfort.…
Toothaches can range from a minor annoyance to a debilitating condition. If you have severe pain from a toothache, an emergency dentist may be able to provide treatment to ease your symptoms and heal the underlying condition. While you normally have to wait several days for a regular dental appointment, emergency dentists make it a priority…
Pain or discomfort in your mouth might call for an emergency dentist. Emergency dentists often treat cracked or broken teeth, knocked-out teeth, and severe mouth pain. Some swollen jaws are considered dental emergencies as well. Read on to learn what constitutes a swollen jaw emergency and how emergency dentists can help.If the swelling in your…
If you are dealing with a knocked-out tooth, emergency dentistry is crucial. It is one of those injuries that tend to occur at the worst possible times. Most people think that their damaged tooth is lost forever once it falls out, but that is not true.Emergency dentistry includes treatments like re-attaching a knocked-out tooth. Knocked-out…
Considering dentures? Read on to learn more about this type of restoration. People dealing with complete or partial tooth loss and wishing to restore their dental health and the natural look of their teeth must select the right dentures. With all the developments in technology and materials, there are more choices than ever before, each…
Proper dental care is important for the overall health of your entire family. Routine oral care from a family dentist can have an impact not just on the appearance of your teeth and gums, but on their function as well. Dental health can also affect many systems of the body and should be prioritized to…