Your son got an elbow in the mouth on the basketball court and knocked a tooth out. Now what?
It’s American Red Cross Month, so there’s no better time to learn what to do if you have a dental emergency.
Acting quickly is key. Keep a knocked out tooth moist and try to put it back into the dental cavity. If you can’t do that, stick it in the space between his teeth and gums and wet it with milk. See a dentist immediately. Here are tips for other dental emergencies:
- A chipped or cracked tooth: Clean the tooth area with warm water. If you experience swelling, apply cold compresses to your face. See your dentist as soon as you can.
- Broken jaw: Gently put cold compresses on the injured area to prevent swelling. Go to the emergency room.
- Object stuck in teeth: Try to gently remove the object with floss. Avoid digging it out with a sharp instrument. See your dentist immediately.
- Toothache: East the pain by checking if you have any particles caught in our teeth with easy flossing. Rinse the area with warm water. If the pain lingers, see your dentist.
Avoid dental emergencies by looking out for your teeth in the first place. Brush and floss daily. See your dentist for regular checkups. And if you or a loved one plays a contact sport – be sure to use a mouthguard!
These simple steps will help your keep your mouth healthy and safe for a lifetime.
