HEALTH NEWS

Every now and then we or someone in our family experiences a dental emergency.  Whether it is from a broken or knocked out tooth, to a toothache or abscessed tooth.  We all need to know what to do in these emergency dental situations and what first aid care should include. 

Dental First Aid 

A broken tooth 
 

• Apply a cold compress to the area where the tooth has broken.  This is done to reduce any swelling that may have occurred. 
•  Save any broken tooth fragments and place them in a jar with milk.  If this is not available wrap them in a wet cloth. 
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible and take the broken tooth fragments to him/her. 

Knocked out tooth 

• Rinse the tooth in clear, clean water. 
• If possible, carefully replace the tooth in the socket or hold it under the tongue.  If this is not possible put the tooth in a jar with milk or wrap it in a wet cloth.  
• If the gums are bleeding, place a gauze pad, clean handkerchief or tissue firmly over the site. 
• Contact your dentist as soon as possible.  The best chances of the tooth surviving and being replaced successfully are within 30 minutes of the accident. 

Toothache 

Toothache can be extremely debilitating and to say the least uncomfortable. 
Should you develop a toothache you should seek professional advice as soon 
as possible.  The causes can be many and varied and a professional 
consultation will best identify the source of the problem.  In the meantime 
there are certain first aid steps to take until help is available. 

• If required for the pain, take a simple painkiller like aspirin or ibuprofen. 
• Hold an ice pack against the jaw where the tooth aches. 
• Do not drink hot or cold liquids.  This would only aggravate the ache. 
• Keep away from eating or drinking anything sugary. (Don’t forget that includes soft drinks.) 
• Gargle with ½ a teaspoon of salt in a glass of lukewarm water as required. 

Prevention 

Of course prevention is always the best option and here are some tips on how best to protect your teeth. 

• Use fluoride toothpaste and brush your teeth after each meal (or at least twice a day). 
• Use dental floss daily.  (Ask your dentist how to use it correctly). 
• Have regular dental check-ups and cleaning. 
• Avoid chewing on hard objects such as pens, pencils and ice and don’t use your teeth for opening things. 
• If you play a contact sport, it is advisable to wear a mouth guard.  Consult your dentist about having one properly fitted. 
• If you grind your teeth at night, consult with your dentist about having a bite plate fitted.  This will prevent tooth grinding and alleviate associated problems such as jaw pain. 
• Do not suck on lemons.  The acid in them wears away tooth enamel (the hardest substance in your body!).