Dental emergencies are commonplace

Accidents happen, and knowing what to do when one occurs can mean the difference between saving or losing a tooth and sometimes saving a life. Also, accidents are public health concerns resulting in added financial expense to families.

In this column, I will address the most common dental emergencies and suggest the best response in managing these emergencies.

The most common dental emergency is a toothache, followed by a fractured tooth, or tooth that was knocked out. The toothache is usually caused from a hole in the tooth called a cavity, or from teeth grinding.

If you happen to have a toothache, rinse your mouth out with warm water and floss the area to see if any food or anything else may be stuck that’s causing irritation. To reduce any swelling, use an ice pack. Take pain medication if it worsens and call your dentist to see when you can make the next available appointment.

Teeth sometimes get knocked out due to violence or accidents. For a permanent or adult tooth, keep the tooth moist at all times. If possible, try placing the tooth back into the socket without touching the roots with your fingers. Also, if possible, place the tooth between your cheeks being careful not to swallow. Alternatively, you may place the tooth in milk. Get to your dentist’s office right away.

A cracked or fractured tooth caused by trauma creates severe pain and discomfort. Often times, a fractured tooth creates sharp edges, causing cuts and bruising to your tongue or cheeks. When this happens, immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Apply cold compresses on the face to minimize swelling.

Similarly, if you accidentally bite your tongue, lip or cheeks, clean the area with warm water and place a cold compress on your cheek next to the area.

For objects stuck between your gums or cheek, like a fish bone, try to gently remove with floss, however, do not attempt to do so with a sharp or pointed instrument.

Avoid accidents and injury to your teeth:

• Wear a mouthguard when participating in sports or recreational activities. Mouth guards absorb and spread the blow if there is trauma to your teeth. It prevents fractures, chipping and a direct hit.

• Do not chew ice, hard candy or open bottle caps with your teeth – all of which can crack a tooth. If a tooth has a history of a root canal, it’s more brittle than other teeth. As a result, it can fracture very easily unless a full crown is constructed to fully protect the top part of the tooth.

• Use scissors or another sharp instrument to cut things. Never use your teeth.

• Make sure to see your dentist for checkups. Regular checkups uncover disease earlier and reduce your future overall dental expense.

• Have your dentist’s emergency number handy.

Some dental emergencies are preventable. Unfortunately, genuine emergencies do happen. When they do, see a dentist as soon as possible. Be alert and protect your teeth and gums by knowing the facts and making healthy choices.

• Dr. Kendal V.O. Major is the founder and CEO of the Center for Specialized Dentistry, which is a comprehensive family dental practice operating in New Providence and Grand Bahama. He is the first Bahamian specialist in gum diseases and dental implants since 1989. He is also a certified fast braces provider. His practice is located at 89 Collins Avenue, New Providence. He can be contacted at (242) 325-5165 or kmajorcsd@gmail.com.

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