Whether your family is hiking near Kennesaw Mountain National Battlefield Park or just tossing a football around in the backyard, dental emergencies can happen when you least expect them. Do you know what to do if your teeth or your children’s teeth are suddenly injured? Having a plan in place can be the difference between saving and losing a tooth. Keep reading to learn some essential tips from a dentist on how to handle a dental emergency in Marietta.
Prepare a Dental Emergency Kit
One recommendation every family in Marietta should follow is to prepare an emergency first aid kit specifically designed to address dental emergencies. A dental emergency kit can be kept in the glove compartment of your car, in your purse on the go, or even at the office.
A standard dental emergency kit should include:
- Contact information for an emergency dentist in Marietta
- Small plastic container with a secure lid
- Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen
- Gauze and handkerchief
Plan of Action in Case of Emergency
If you or a loved one experience a dental emergency, the first step should always be to call an emergency dentist in Marietta. However, it is always a good idea to know what actions you can take on your own before heading to the dentist’s office. Here are 5 tips for how to respond to a dental emergency:
- Tip #1: Toothaches – Rinse with diluted saltwater and take over-the-counter pain medication to reduce inflammation around the infected tooth.
- Tip #2: Knocked Out Tooth – Without touching the roots, carefully try to place the tooth back in the original socket. If this cannot be done, place the tooth in a small container filled with milk.
- Tip #3: Cracked or Broken Tooth – If possible, collect the broken pieces. Your dentist will try to reattach them. Use ice or a cold compress to help reduce swelling.
- Tip #4: Bleeding from the Mouth – Rinse with diluted salt water to clean the inside of the mouth. Apply ice or a cold compress to relieve swelling and reduce pain.
- Tip #5: Lost Crown – Try to slip the crown back over the tooth until you can see a dentist. Over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste or denture adhesive can help temporarily hold the crown in place.
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies?
Let’s face it – as a parent, you already know that not all accidents and injuries can be prevented. However, here are some simple precautions you can take to reduce the chances that you or your children experience an unexpected dental emergency:
- #1: Always wear a protective mouthguard when playing contact sports.
- #2: Avoid chewing on hard foods that can chip or crack teeth, such as popcorn kernels, hard candies, nuts, or ice.
- #3: Never open packages with your teeth – grab a pair of scissors instead!
Lastly, the whole family should visit a dentist in Marietta every six months for a routine dental exam and professional cleaning. Regular dental appointments are essential to maintaining a healthy smile!
For more information on what to do in case of a dental emergency, do not hesitate to contact your dentist today.