What to do in the Event of a Tooth Emergency

Quick action is crucial to saving the life of an injured tooth. Teeth are remarkably resilient, but can be chipped, fractured or broken when quick, strong impact occurs. Today's advanced dental care makes it possible to repair or replace injured teeth if care is obtained within a certain amount of time.

Tooth trauma is very common, particularly among children. In fact, one-third of five-year-olds suffer injury to their primary (baby) teeth, and one-fourth of 12-year-olds suffer injury to their permanent teeth.1 Baby teeth are responsible for creating space for the adult teeth, helping to develop clear speech and keeping the permanent teeth healthy underneath. That's why taking precautionary steps with an injured baby tooth is just as important as a permanent tooth.

Protecting teeth from injury isn't always possible, but knowing what to do after trauma occurs can increase the chance of saving the tooth.

Including preventive measures such as wearing a mouth guard during sports-related activities can help decrease the chances of tooth trauma and keep teeth happy and healthy.

Follow these steps if a tooth is chipped, broken, or knocked out:

- Be prepared for an emergency by keeping the phone number of your dentist handy.

- If possible, find all parts of the tooth and handle it by the top. Do not touch the root.

- Do not clean or handle the tooth more than what is necessary.

- Put the tooth back into the tooth socket, if your child can hold it there without swallowing it. If not, place the tooth in a cup of milk to help prevent it from drying out.

- If the injury involves braces or wires, cover sharp or protruding portions with cotton balls, gauze or dental wax. Do not remove any wires stuck into the gums, cheek or tongue.

- Get to a dentist as quickly as possible.

For more information on teeth emergency remedies, visit DeltaDentalNC.com.