The holidays can get quite complicated very quickly. The gathering of families involves the coordination of numerous schedules with dancer like precision. Who is going to pick up who from the airport? Where is everyone going to stay? In these situations, it’s good to have a plan for when things go wrong, just like with a dental emergency. People eat special foods this time of year, one of which being extremely hard candy that can do a number on your teeth. What happens if you find yourself in the middle of a dental emergency? Your emergency dentist in Naples at Galleria Dentistry has 7 tips so you can be prepared this holiday season.
What Is A Dental Emergency?
A dental emergency is when someone experiences extreme dental trauma and needs immediate attention. A few examples are:
- A broken or knocked out tooth
- A broken or lost crown
- Severe toothache
- Large object caught between teeth
- Injury to the gums
The key thing to look out for is pain. If you or your loved one is in so much pain that they can’t focus on anything else, it’s a dental emergency, and you need to act quickly. Here is what you should do.
1. Stay Calm
Dental emergencies, just like any, can be very high stress. When you find yourself in the middle of one, take a second to gather your thoughts. Take a few slow breaths. This will help you focus on taking the appropriate action.
2. Call Us
You should immediately call us. We will make an appointment as soon as possible for your dentist in Naples to see you, and our highly-trained staff will walk you through basic first-aid over the phone.
3. Rinse with Warm Water
With any injury, there is always a risk of infection. Rinse the injured area with warm water to clean away any debris that might be there. This will help protect you from any further complications.
4. Use Pressure
If someone is bleeding, use a rag to apply light pressure to the area. This will help the blood clot quicker and stop the bleeding sooner.
5. Keep the Tooth Wet
Once a tooth is out of the mouth, it is no longer viable after 2 hours. You need to preserve it until we see you, and you can do that by placing it back into your mouth, or even in a container of milk. They key is to not let it dry out.
6. Use a Cold Compress
Something as simple as a bag of ice or even frozen vegetables can do a lot to relieve pain and swelling.
7. Have Some Else Drive
Dental emergencies often happen in tandem with head trauma, or may leave a person in shock. In either case, it’s better to have someone else drive you to the office so you can concentrate on applying first-aird
Prevention
A few basic things can help stop dental emergencies before they ever happen. Avoid chewing on extremely hard things like ice (or peanut brittle). Let hard candies sit in your mouth a bit before you try to bite. If you frequently play sports, wear a mouthguard. Also, people with healthy teeth very seldom find themselves in a dental emergency, so be sure to brush, floss and get routine cleanings and check-ups to keep them strong.
Any Questions?
It might seem unlikely, but having a plan for a dental emergency can make all the difference when it comes to saving your tooth, or getting your family member the care they need. We’re ready to be there during one of your most stressful moments, and we know we’ll be able to get you the relief you need.
If you want more tips on how to handle a dental emergency or how to avoid them, please call us today.
