What to do in Common Dental Emergencies

The chances of a tooth surviving after an injury depends largely on what is done between the time the injury occurs and the time the patient presents to the dentist.

• A cut on your lip, cheek or tongue: first rinse out with warm water and salt. If it is a small cut(such as a bite), bleeding will stop on its own; however, if it’s a deep cut, you will need to apply some pressure on the wound using a clean/new piece of cloth(preferably a white handkerchief) for 15 to 20 mins. If bleeding doesn’t stop, keep applying pressure on the wound and visit a dentist or a hospital emergency unit immediately.
• Toothache: rinse out with warm water and salt. Then gently floss the area to remove any food particle(do not apply aspirin on the tooth). You can take ‘pain relief’ and see your dentist as soon as possible.
• If your tooth fractures(breaks off): locate the broken piece, then rinse your mouth with warm water. If you notice bleeding from the tooth, apply a piece of gauze/clean folded piece of cloth(white handkerchief) and bite on it for about 10 mins. See a dentist immediately. You also can apply ice wrapped in a piece of cloth on the cheek to prevent swelling.
• When the whole tooth is knocked out after a blow or fall: If it is an adult tooth, carefully pick the tooth by the crown being mindful not to touch the root(the long part of the tooth not visible in the mouth). Rinse it to remove dirt without scrubbing or touching the root and gently place the tooth back in its place taking care to put it rightly. If you are not able to replace the tooth, you can keep it in a cup of milk or place the tooth between your cheek and gum and see a dentist immediately(do not delay). If the tooth is a baby tooth, do not place back in the socket.
• For those with cemented crowns. If your Crown(artificial cap)comes off: keep the crown and see your dentist immediately(with the crown). If the tooth is painful/sensitive, try sitting the crown back on your tooth. You can apply a temporary dental cement sold in the drug store to hold it down.
• If the filling on your tooth comes off: to prevent sensitivity, you can place a dental cement sold in the drug store temporarily or place ‘chewed’ sugarless gum to cover the gap.
• If something is stuck between your teeth: gently use floss to take it out. If floss doesn’t work, please see your dentist immediately. Trying to pick it out may cause more pain and damage to your gum.
• In those with braces or jaw wires, if you have a piece of wire sticking out and irritating your gum, cheek or tongue, place some wax or a ball of cotton wool on the tip of the wire. Don’t try to move it around as it may cause more damage. Visit your dentist as soon as possible.