Dental Emergencies

Common Dental Emergencies

• Lost filling: Protect the exposed spot with a piece of softened, sugarless, chewing gum until you can see a dentist.
• Knocked out tooth: If it is a permanent tooth, try to put it back if it is clean. Otherwise, put it in a container of cold milk and rush to a dentist.
• Toothache: You can talk to your dentist and then take an over-the-counter pain medicine and/or apply an ice pack.
• Broken tooth: You must see your dentist immediately. It is almost always possible to save broken or chipped teeth.
• Food stuck between teeth: You can use dental floss to remove the object. Do not use a pin or any other pointed instrument.

Protect Your Child from Dental Emergencies

Children's dental emergencies usually involve baby teeth, which parents think are not important. This is not true, as baby teeth play a very important role in the development of the jaw and mouth. Therefore one must be prepared for dental emergencies before they happen.

Keep the following in mind:

• Always keep your dentist's emergency numbers with you.
• If a tooth has been knocked out, it is important for the child to get emergency dental care within an hour. Don't touch the tooth with your hands. Try to replace the tooth in its socket and secure it with a wet wrap. If you are not able to do this, or if you are afraid it may be swallowed, rinse the tooth and keep it in a container of milk or saliva, until you get to a dentist.
• If a child's tooth is chipped, it may cause pain due to an exposed or damaged nerve. If this happens, you must get the child to a dentist immediately.
• Mouth guards are now recommended for many sports.
• It is important to childproof your home to help protect children from trips and falls.
• Children must be careful to avoid injuries caused by bumping into water fountains, while opening bottle caps with their teeth, and while chewing hard substances.

That Perfect Smile

While all of us may not be blessed with a beautiful smile, the least we can do is to have healthy teeth. It is important to take good care of your teeth and gums to prevent dental infection and to maintain overall good health.

Many dental emergencies are now highly treatable if handled in time. New generation antibiotics, rest, and a good diet can do a great deal to help fight dental infection resulting from an injury.

For a complimentary examination appointment to check the condition of your mouth and teeth in the hope of forestalling any future dental emergencies, please contact us online or call 650-965-1234.

We'll answer any questions you may have, and give you a free written estimate regarding costs and insurance benefits before you leave.

Call us today!

Dr. Burch