Accidents happen.

You might do everything you can to keep your entire family in a protective bubble, but life has a way of popping it. In the end, accidents happen to everyone. Your kids climb onto the counter when you least expect it, that car comes out of nowhere on the way to work, and sometimes you just manage to trip over your own feet. Accidents can happen without warning, so it’s important to be prepared to deal with them when they occur.

But what are you supposed to do when the accident involves teeth?

Common Dental Emergencies

It’s important to know what counts as dental emergencies.

A child can smack into another, knocking out one or more of their teeth. This can be a traumatic experience for anyone involved, but it’s important to stay as calm as possible. This sort of accident can also cause broken or chipped teeth.

Toothaches happen to everyone, but when they become severe and persistent, it can be considered a dental emergency. It’s time to figure out what’s going on and keep the problem from getting worse.

Another common accident involves fillings or crowns. Perhaps your crown has chipped at some point, and then completely came out while you were eating dinner. Or maybe, it just popped out while playing basketball with the kids.

Immediate Steps to Take

With any dental emergency, the first step is to stay calm. It can be hard, especially if it involves a child. Take a deep breath, you’ve got this!

Knocked-Out Teeth

When you pick up the knocked-out tooth, grip it by the crown, or the part that typically sticks above the gums. Don’t touch the roots! Rinse any debris off with water, but don’t scrub it. If you can, pop that tooth back in the socket while you wait to get into the dentist. If not, put it in a small container of milk—it’s important not to let it dry out. Either way, give us a call immediately so we can get you in as soon as possible.

Broken or Chipped Teeth

If you, or someone in your family has a broken or chipped tooth, the steps are very similar to that of a complete loss. Save any of the pieces for the dentist, rinse the mouth out, and apply gauze if there is any bleeding.

Severe Toothache

In the case of a severe toothache, the first step is to rinse the mouth with warm water and floss well. This will ensure there isn’t anything hiding in there that could be contributing to the discomfort. To help with any swelling, you can take over-the-counter pain medication such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, and apply a cold compress. Of course, call the dentist to get an appointment as soon as possible. While you wait, it might be best to avoid foods that can be harder to chew.

Lost Fillings or Crowns

Lost fillings and crowns can feel strange, uncomfortable, or even painful. No matter the case, be sure to call your dentist as soon as possible so we can get you in. If the filling or crown can slip back into the tooth, do that while you wait. If not, you can sometimes use sugarless gum to fill in the gap temporarily. If at all possible, bring the filling or crown with you to the dentist appointment. After all, there’s always the chance it can be reused.

When to Seek Emergency Dental Care

Sometimes, it can be hard to determine if something is a true emergency. The general rule is that if something is broken, is bleeding and won’t stop, or if there is extreme pain, it’s an emergency. But if you aren’t sure, or if you are concerned, it’s always a good idea to give us a call and start up a conversation. This way, you can get the help you need. Our team wants you to feel confident that you are making the right decisions for your family’s oral health. You aren’t alone—we’re with you every step of the way.

Be ready for surprises.

Emergencies are typically surprises. Because of this, it’s a good idea to keep our emergency contact information on hand. Stick it to the fridge and keep it in your phone for easy access. Remember, you want to have all of the tools at your fingertips if and when an emergency strikes.

It’s important to contact us as soon as possible if you have a dental emergency on your hands. The faster you can be seen, the greater the chances are of saving the tooth or preventing further damage.

If you need a general, non-emergency appointment such as a routine cleaning, you can request an appointment online. It’s fast, easy, and just takes a few minutes.