What Do I Do After Experiencing a Dental Emergency?
Here are some helpful first-aid tips for how to manage your condition until you can come in for treatment:
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If you’ve broken a tooth, immediately rinse your mouth with warm water. Facial swelling is likely to happen, but a cold compress held against the cheek can help minimize this.
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If you have serious tooth pain, is it possible that it’s being caused by something stuck in the mouth, like a large particle of food? Try flossing and rinsing thoroughly first. If the pain persists, then it’s time to schedule an appointment with Dr. Carter.
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If you’ve knocked out a tooth, it’s crucial to keep it moist at all times until you’re able to get to our practice. If possible, carefully place the tooth back into its original socket without touching the root and hold it in place. Alternatively, you can keep the tooth in your cheek pocket or place it in a cup of milk. Reaching help as fast as possible is necessary in order to successfully replant the tooth.
How Can I Prevent Dental Emergencies?
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Always wear an oral appliance if you regularly experience bruxism (teeth grinding) or participate in sports with physical contact.
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Don’t chew on hard candies, solid ice, and other tough items.
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Rely on scissors instead of your teeth to cut packaging.
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Make sure to schedule regular checkups with Dr. Carter! He’ll be able to identify signs of damage or decay at their earliest stages, potentially saving you from a dental emergency down the road.