Accidents always happen. Be sure to know what to do when one arises – it can be the difference of  saving a tooth or losing one.  

A dental emergency is an injury to your teeth or gums that can be potentially serious. Ignoring one  can increase the risk of permanent damage. For all dental emergencies, it is important to contact  our office as soon as the injury occurs. Provide detailed information about the injury to your  mouth. We will be able to give you instructions on how to care for your mouth in the time before  coming to our office. In some instances, we may recommend emergency care. 

Here are some common dental injuries and how to care for them. 

Knocked-out tooth 

Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty and try not to remove any attached tissue fragments. Keep  the tooth moist at all times by carefully putting the tooth back in place without forcing it back into  the socket. If this is not possible, place the tooth in a small container of milk or in a cup of water that  contains a pinch of salt. Contact our dental office as quickly as possible. 

Chipped or cracked tooth 

Save any pieces if possible. Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area as well as  remove any small tooth fragments. Apply cold compresses to your mouth to keep down the  swelling and relieve pain.  

Objects caught between teeth 

Carefully try to remove the object using floss. If you cannot get the object out, see your dentist. It is  important to never use a pin or sharp instrument to remove the object since you may cause injury  to your gums or the surfaces of your teeth. 

Soft-tissue injuries 

Injuries to your tongue, cheeks, gums and lips can result in bleeding. To control the bleeding, rinse  your mouth with mild salt water. Apply a moistened piece of gauze or tea bag to the bleeding site  for about 15 minutes. You may also use a cold compress to relieve pain. If the bleeding doesn’t stop,  contact our dental office. 

You can also take simple precautions to avoid dental emergencies:  

● When participating in sports, always wear a mouth guard 

● Avoid chewing ice, popcorn kernels and hard candy 

● Never use your teeth to cut things – use scissors 

If you encounter a dental emergency, always contact our dental office as soon as possible.  We can provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to care for your mouth or may ask you to come into the office. If you have any additional dental emergency questions, be sure to contact us.

If it has been more than 6 months since your last dental visit, it may not be possible to regain  optimal oral health care without the assistance of professional care. While creating your oral  health plan, make sure to start by scheduling an examination and professional thorough  cleaning with our team. Once you’ve received professional care, it’s imperative to adopt an at home care plan to maintain your oral health between appointments.  

How often should you receive professional care?  

Your professional oral health care plan will vary based on your individual needs. For patients  with mild to severe periodontal disease, a program involving 4 visits per year may be necessary  to keep the disease from progressing. For others with a smile less susceptible to periodontal  disease and tooth decay, 2 visits per year may suffice. Regardless of your individual needs,  once set, do your best to keep to your regular schedule. This will prevent harmful bacteria from  causing damage to your beautiful smile and affecting your overall health. 

Many don’t realize the regular dental appointments alone do not ensure optimal oral health. In  fact, according to the research conducted by the American Dental Association, brushing should  occur twice per day for 2 full minutes with a soft toothbrush and fluoride toothpaste. Interdental  cleaning should occur daily and can be done with floss or alternative methods, such as with the  use of a Waterpik.  

Decay can occur in a few months or less of oral hygiene neglect. Decay can also occur due to  an acidic oral environment, underlying health conditions or as a result of a poor dietary habit.  

Oral Health and Overall Health 

Your oral health is directly related to your overall health. The bacteria and infection found in your  mouth can travel through your bloodstream to important organs. It’s imperative to care for your  smile, just as you would your heart, lungs or brain.  

Whether it has been only a few months or several years since you’ve last received professional oral health care, we welcome you at our practice. You’ll receive compassionate care, free of judgement. It’s our goal to help you achieve a smile that you’re happy to display.