There are various precautions you can exercise to avoid an injury or accident that damages your teeth. On way to reduce the chance of damaging your teeth, cheek, tongue or lips is to use a mouth guard when you participate in recreational activities that may present a risk. Additionally, you should avoid chewing items such as popcorn kernels, hard candy or ice, which may crack your teeth. However, if you do find yourself in need of an Emergency Dentist in Vista, CA, these tips can help you determine what to do to prevent further damage prior to going to the dentist.
The fact is that accidents happen and knowing what to do in these situations may be the difference in losing a tooth, or saving it. Most dental offices offer time slots in their daily schedule for dental emergencies. Once an accident occurs, you need to call your dentist right away and describe the problem and how it happened. Keep in mind, that if you are in pain, it is a signal that there is something wrong.
Broken or Cracked Tooth
If you have a broken tooth, you should rinse your mouth with warm water in order to clean the area. Once you have cleaned the area, you should use a cold compress to reduce the swelling in the area.
Knocked Out Tooth
If you have a tooth knocked out of your mouth, you should only handle it by the crown and rinse off the root if it is dirty. You should never scrub or remove any of the tissue fragments that are attached. If it is possible, you should reinsert the tooth into the socket until you can get to an Emergency Dentist in Vista, CA. If it is not possible to reinsert the tooth, you should place the tooth in a cup of milk.
Toothache
If you experience significant pain in your mouth due to a toothache you should start by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Also, use floss to ensure there is no debris stuck between the teeth. If you cannot find relief from the pain, it is time to contact a dentist for help.
Using these tips you may be able to save a tooth, rather than losing it completely. Dr. George Braithwaite offers emergency dental services for patients to help any of these issues that may occur.
