Most homes have a medicine cabinet containing basic drugs and supplies that can provide relief for minor health problems, but very few include supplies for the treatment of dental problems. As a result, when a dental emergency happens, proper first aid treatment is not applied right away, causing major problems later on. This is why it is very important to attend to this and not wait until the need arises before you go shopping for your necessary dental supplies.
For a start, you can fill up your dental first aid kit with a topical solution to relieve toothaches, a vial where you can place a dislodged tooth so you can bring it to your dentist if there is a possibility to save it, a temporary filling in case you lose yours or if your crown loosens, and an applicator tip.
You should also take time to learn some first aid treatments that will help ease your condition and save your teeth from further damage while waiting for your dentist. Here is what you should do when you encounter these common oral problems.
Toothache
Inspect where the ache is coming from. There could be food lodged there that is causing the pain. If so, remove it with dental floss, brush your teeth, and place a cold compress over it. If the pain does not subside, take an aspirin or other over-the-counter painkillers to give you temporary relief. See your doctor if the pain persists. Don’t pick at the object with tools not intended for treating your teeth, as this could lead to a serious, potentially deadly infection.
Sometimes open dental tubules cause sensitivity. In this case, propolis is a natural remedy that can help.
Fractured and/or Broken Tooth
Clean the area by brushing your teeth and gargling with an antiseptic mouthwash. If you feel any pain, place an ice pack over it or take an aspirin. If you can find the broken tooth (or pieces of it), bring it to your dentist. They may be able to attach it back. It’s also important to remember that this could be an emergency. If it is an emergency, see your dentist right away. We offer expedited appointments for treating dental emergencies. Remember: it’s best to see a dentist for dental emergencies rather than simply going to an emergency department.
Knocked Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is not hopeless. You can actually save the tooth if you follow this first aid treatment: Pick up the tooth by the crown (not the root). Do not touch or brush off the root, even if it’s dirty. If you can easily place the tooth back in the socket, go ahead and do it. Don’t try to force it–you might not be getting it in right. Otherwise, you can put it between your cheek and gums or in a clean vessel that contains either milk or your saliva. Go to your dentist immediately, preferably within the hour, so that they can find the means to re-attach it.
Sores
Sores can be caused by trauma, like when you accidentally bite the inside of your cheek or your braces keep rubbing against the inside of your mouth. Again, a cold compress can lessen the pain. You must also clean your mouth because food debris can irritate those sores. If the sore is caused by a herpes simplex virus, try gargling with a warm salt solution. It has an antiseptic effect that can kill the virus and stop it from spreading.
Remember, these are all just first aid treatments, which means that they only provide a temporary solution to the problem. Even if you feel better in the morning, it is still advisable that you see your Rochester, NY dentists of Contemporary Dentistry so that they can properly diagnosis and treat any further damages on your teeth and gums. Call us at (585) 244-3337 today.
