—LA PLAZA LASER DENTISTRY, PC—

First aid tips for dental emergencies

Dr. Kelly Last: Simple tips so you know what to do in case of an emergency...

It’s summertime and that means outside activities and summer vacations. When you least expect it, you or a loved one can experience a dental emergency that will probably happen at an inopportune time. Knowing what to do in case of an emergency can bide you some time until you can get to a dentist and may help you save the tooth. 

KNOCKED-OUT TOOTH – First remain calm. Hold the tooth by the top crown part and not the root portion. If the tooth is dirty, rinse it gently in running water. Do not scrub the tooth or remove any tissue that is attached to the root. Gently insert and hold the tooth in the socket. Biting down on a piece of clean cloth or gauze will help hold the tooth in place. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a container of milk or place the tooth in your mouth between your gum and cheek and go immediately to a dentist, within 30 minutes if possible. Do not place the tooth in tap water. Baby teeth are usually not reimplanted.

BROKEN TOOTH – Gently clean dirt or debris from the injured area by rinsing with warm water. Place cold compresses on the face in the area of the injured tooth to minimize swelling. Save any broken tooth fragments and go to a dentist as soon as possible. A broken tooth needs to be evaluated for nerve and soft tissue damage. If the tooth is sensitive to temperatures or is sharp to the tongue, an over-the-counter (OTC) temporary dental cement or soft wax can be applied to the broken area. Do not use glue. Tylenol or ibuprofen can be taken for discomfort.

FRACTURED JAW – Go immediately to a hospital emergency room. Immobilize the jaw by any means. A scarf, necktie or towel can be used to bandage the jaw. Wrap the bandage from the top of the head to under the jaw to prevent movement and to help reduce pain. Holding the jaw gently in place with your hands while traveling to the emergency room will also help. Apply ice compresses to control swelling. There is the potential danger of significant bleeding and the risk of breathing problems associated with a fractured jaw.

TOOTHACHE - Rinse the mouth vigorously with warm salt water to clean out debris. Use dental floss to remove food that might be trapped between the teeth. If swelling is present, place cold compresses on the outside of the cheek. Do not use heat and never place aspirin on the aching tooth or gum. Aspirin contains salicylic acid which can burn and damage the gum tissue. Take acetaminophen or ibuprofen for pain or try pain-relieving gels like Anbesol. See a dentist as soon as possible. A toothache is usually the result of a tooth abscess and antibiotics may need to be administered. If the toothache is caused from a lost filling or a broken tooth, covering the tooth with soft wax or an OTC temporary filling cement may help. A toothache will usually not heal on its own without dental treatment.

LOST CROWN – If you cannot see a dentist immediately, you can try to snap the crown back on the tooth. You can use a denture adhesive or an OTC temporary crown cement to reseat the crown until you can get to a dentist. Avoid chewing on the loose crown. Do not use household glue. If the crown feels loose at all with the temporary cement, remove the crown and place it in a safe place. This will prevent accidental injury from inhaling or swallowing the crown.

CUT OR BITTEN TONGUE, LIP OR CHEEK – Clean the area gently with a clean cloth or gauze. Apply firm but gentle pressure to stop bleeding. A moistened tea bag will promote clotting of the wound. Astringent tannins found in tea will help stop bleeding if pressure alone does not work. Apply cold compresses to reduce any swelling. Seek professional help if the bleeding does not stop in 15 minutes. 

PREVENTION - There are some simple precautions you can take to avoid injuries to your face and teeth. Wearing a mouthguard when participating in sports will protect your teeth from injuries. Wear a helmet to prevent head and mouth injuries from falls when participating in physical activities such as skiing. Avoid chewing or biting on hard objects such as ice or hard candy to prevent cracked teeth.

Enjoy your summer, but always expect the unexpected and be prepared for dental emergencies. If you have any questions, call La Plaza Laser Dentistry at 303-674-6264, located at 3092 Evergreen Parkway, #100, and we will be happy to help you. New patients are always welcome! If you are experiencing a dental emergency, we are available to help.

 This guide reflects public information available through the American Dental Association.