In the unfortunate event you or a family member has a dental accident, here are a few tips to help you know what to do, so all ends well.
Blow to a tooth
If you lose a tooth or if it gets shifted as a result of a blow, your dental professional may be able to put it back in place. If the tooth is completely dislodged, rinse it under water without rubbing it. Avoid holding it by the root. Put the tooth in your mouth and, if possible, try putting it back in place by holding the crown. If this is not possible, keep the tooth in a glass of cold milk, and go to the dentist immediately. If you are bleeding, gently rinse out your mouth and place a cotton ball or gauze on the wound. Apply ice to reduce the swelling as needed.
Broken tooth
A broken tooth can be repaired if you act fast, so make an appointment as soon as you can. The tooth will be repaired if possible. However, if the tooth suffered too much trauma, a root canal or, in more severe cases, an extraction might be required.
Toothache
A toothache can be caused by any number of dental problems: infection, cavity, gum recession, fracture, etc. In all cases, you should make an appointment with a dental professional as soon as possible to uncover the source. In the meantime, take a pain reliever to manage your discomfort (over-the-counter medication).
Tongue or lip bite
If you have bitten your tongue or lip fairly severely, apply pressure to the wound with a clean cloth. If the lip is swollen, apply ice to help reduce the swelling. For tongue bites, you must rinse gently with water. If you have severed the tip of your tongue, go to Emergency quickly.
Food residue stuck between teeth
If you are unable to dislodge the residue with dental floss, do not attempt to do so with sharp or pointy objects. This could damage your gums or the surface of neighbouring teeth. Make an appointment with a dental professional.
