Dental emergencies can strike at any time. Knowing what to do until you can see a dentist is an important part of any preparedness plan. Key tips include using cold to minimize swelling, managing discomfort with over-the-counter pain relievers, and using dental wax or sugar-free gum to coat a jagged tooth. Having a little knowledge in your corner can make all the difference in the world when the unexpected occurs.
What to Do If…
The steps to take during a dental emergency depend on the symptoms the victim is experiencing. Here are some tips for managing specific problems.
Facial Swelling
This can indicate a variety of conditions, including an abscess. Get the person to a dentist or other healthcare provider as soon as possible. Here’s what to do in the meantime:
- Keep the person in a seated or standing posture. Lying down can aggravate the underlying problem.
- Encourage the person to drink plenty of water. Dehydration can complicate the effects of an infection or other health problem.
- Administer an over-the-counter pain reliever to minimize discomfort. Acetaminophen and ibuprofen are good choices for most people. Be mindful of any medicine -related allergies the person may have. You should avoid administering prescription products of any kind without expert authorization.
Dislodged Tooth
A dislodged tooth can often be reinserted by a dentist. Here’s what to do in the meantime:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown, never the root. Otherwise you may damage sensitive tissue and nerve endings.
- Keep the tooth moist. A small container of milk is a good choice for this purpose.
- Use gauze or a similar sterile material to control bleeding. Unrestricted blood loss could lead to shock or impair the person’s ability to breathe.
Cracked or Broken Tooth
Small cracks may require a crown. A tooth that’s cracked all the way through might require extraction. Here’s how to manage the situation until then:
- Save the broken portion of the tooth if possible. Even small fragments may help the dentist to reconstruct the tooth later on.
- Use dental wax or a piece of sugar-free gum to coat the jagged edge of the tooth. Otherwise it may cut the person’s lips or mouth.
- Have the victim rinse his or her mouth with slightly salty water. This can help to ease discomfort and minimize risk of infection.
Bleeding from the Mouth or Gums
This can signal a variety of problems, from tooth decay to elevated pressure inside the person’s skull. Here are some important tips to remember:
- Try to determine the cause of the bleeding. This will help you to evaluate the seriousness of the condition.
- Use gauze or another sterile material to control the bleeding. Apply a small amount of very gentle pressure to the wound site if possible. Replace the dressing as needed.
Above all else, stay calm. We know this is easier said than done. But a crisis is no time to lose your cool. Manage the situation as best you can until an emergency dentist is available. That way, you can look back on the event knowing that you did everything possible to help it turn out well.
About the Author
James A. Moreau Jr has been practicing dentistry for almost 40 years. A graduate of the LSU School of Dentistry, he’s skilled in many aspects of cosmetic, restorative, and emergency dental care. You can reach his office online or by calling (985) 809-7645.