Fall is coming at us shortly, which means sports are kicking into gear again, and it’s time to get out and enjoy the beautiful autumn colors we see in Buffalo, MN. With new adventures can present the potential for dental emergencies. Or not necessarily injury-related, perhaps you develop sudden discomfort or abscess. Here are some “Do’s and Don’ts” to help you through if a situation involving your teeth, or a child’s teeth, should occur.
When you have a dental emergency, it’s important to know what to do…and just as importantly, what NOT to do. Here are some tips on how to handle a dental emergency:
The Do’s
Do: Contact your dentist right away. They will be able to give you specific instructions on how to deal with your particular situation. Make sure to provide as much detail as possible, including if tooth was knocked out, chipped, or if there is pain and swelling.
Do: Follow your dentist’s instructions carefully.
Do: Rinse your mouth with warm water. This will help to clean the area and remove any debris. Cold water can cause sensitivity to damaged teeth. However, refer back to dental advice that your provider offers.
Do: If your dentist is unavailable because of after hours emergencies, listen to the instructions provided on their messaging system.
The Don’ts
Don’t: Try to fix the problem yourself. Unless you are a dentist, you could end up making the situation worse.
Don’t: Use a cotton swab or other sharp object to remove debris from the affected area. This could damage your gums or tooth enamel.
Don’t: Wait. If it is a weekend or after hours, follow the instructions on your dentist’s voicemail. In many cases, you can get in touch with an on-call dentist who can help you deal with the emergency.
Don’t: Ignore the problem and hope it will go away on its own. Dental problems rarely get better without treatment.
We hope you never have to experience a dental emergency, but if you do, following these simple tips will help ensure that you get the best possible care. And of course, if you find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency, stay calm and follow these simple tips. And remember, the best thing you can do is call your dentist right away so they can help you resolve the issue as quickly and painlessly as possible.
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