Being Prepared for a Dental Emergency
Emergencies are always easier to deal with if you are prepared. Regardless of fear or panic that might set in, you can count on your plan to ensure you deal with the situation efficiently. For dental emergencies, you can be prepared by maintaining a special first aid kit specifically equipped for these types of injuries.
Your dental first aid kit should include:
- The telephone number of your emergency dentist
- Gauze to control bleeding
- A small cup or a special kit used to preserved knocked-out teeth
- Toothpaste or denture adhesive for knocked-out fillings or crowns
- Antiseptic mouthwash
With these items, you can deal with the majority of dental injuries. For serious bleeding, deep lacerations, or avulsed (knocked-out) teeth, see a dentist right away. Emergency dentistry is necessary to ensure the best possible outcome for severe issues such as these. For less serious problems like a knocked-out filling or dislodged crown, you can wait to see your regular dentist as soon as possible.
Common Causes of Dental Emergencies
Many everyday accidents can lead to a dental emergency. Some of the most common causes of injury to the mouth, face, or teeth include:
- Motor vehicle accidents
- Bicycle accidents
- Falls
- Contact sports
You can help prevent the need for emergency dentistry by taking all necessary precautions to avoid injury. These include:
- Wearing a mouthguard during sports activities
- Wearing your seatbelt in the car
- Wearing a helmet when on a bicycle or motorcycle
- Wearing appropriate footwear on wet or slippery surfaces
By protecting your teeth from damage and reducing the likelihood of dental injuries, you can help ensure your long-term oral health, prevent tooth damage and loss, and keep your smile bright and complete will into the future.
Our team at Crosspointe Dental & Orthodontics is here to help in an emergency, so contact us today!
