In a dental emergency, knowing what to do can be the difference between saving a tooth or not. So to help keep your teeth safe and sound this holiday season, our team at Toothology Dental has put together the following tips.
- Toothache
- Cracked or Chipped Tooth
- Lost Adult Tooth
Toothaches are never fun, and one that strikes during the middle of holiday festivities can zap your merriment. If you have a toothache, first try gently rinsing your mouth with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to clean the area. Then, check to see whether you can see a piece of trapped food or debris that may be the culprit behind your discomfort. If you see something, try to gently remove it with string floss or a water flosser. If the toothache persists or worsens, call our office! It is possible you have an untreated cavity that requires a filling or root canal therapy.
If you notice that your tooth has become cracked or chipped, gently rinse the area with a cup of warm water mixed with a teaspoon of salt to clean it and prevent infection. Then, call our office. Until you can see us, do not chew on that side, avoid consuming very hot and cold foods and beverages, and consider covering it with protective dental wax to prevent sensitivity. If the tooth is painful or the area around it swollen, use a cold compress and over-the-counter pain medication.
Do not panic if one of your permanent teeth gets knocked out; there is still a chance to save your tooth within the first hour after injury. First, only handle the tooth by its crown (chewing surface) and not the root. Gently rinse your tooth with water or milk to clean off any debris without rubbing or scrubbing it. Then, try placing the tooth back in its socket. If you can’t do so or feel uncomfortable attempting, then you can put the tooth between your cheek and gums or in a glass of milk until you can get to our office.
We Offer Same-Day Emergency Dental Care!
Although we hope that none of our patients are faced with dental emergencies over the holidays, we hope that this information helps you in the unlikely event that one occurs. To ask our team any questions about how to handle a dental emergency or to receive emergency care, call our Scottsdale dental office at (480)-949-5858. We open at 7:00 AM Monday through Saturday, and close at 4:00 PM on Monday, Thursday, and Friday; 6:00 PM on Tuesday and Wednesday; and 2:00 PM on Saturday.
