Tips for Handling a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be scary situations – for yourself and especially for your children. While no one ever anticipates when an emergency will occur, there are some simple steps that you can take to prepare yourself for a knocked out tooth or other dental trauma.

• First you should have an established relationship with a dental office. As a patient, you may be more likely to get into the dentist’s office for quick treatment or for after hours care. Keep your dentist’s number handy and be sure to use it as soon as you experience a dental emergency. Failing to do so may leave the emergency room as your only option for care.
• Be prepared with a first aid kit. This is especially useful if you or your children play contact sports or engage in other confrontational activities. You can purchase a lost tooth kit that will contain an ice pack, container for your tooth and solution to store it in until arriving at the dentist’s office.
• Know what to do when you lose a tooth due to trauma. Try to place your tooth back into its socket. If it will not fit easily, place it in a container of your own saliva, in milk, or hold it in between your lower lip and gums. Visit your dentist or an emergency room immediately.
• Don’t worry about baby teeth. If your child knocks out a baby tooth, do not worry unless there is a jagged remnant to be removed.