Dental injuries can happen unexpectedly during sport, accidents, falls or everyday activities. Knowing what to do before seeing an emergency dentistcan help protect the injured area and reduce the risk of further damage. Immediate and appropriate first aid can also make it easier for a dental professional to assess the injury and determine the most suitable treatment.
Stay Calm and Assess the Injury
The first step is to remain calm and carefully assess what has happened. Check whether the tooth is chipped, cracked, loose, displaced or completely knocked out. Look for bleeding, swelling or injuries to the lips, gums and surrounding tissues.
Rinse the Mouth Carefully
If there is dirt, blood or debris in the mouth, gently rinse with clean water. Avoid vigorous swishing, particularly if a tooth has been loosened or displaced. Do not use very hot water, strong mouthwash or other substances that could irritate injured tissues.
What to Do With a Knocked-Out Tooth
A completely knocked-out permanent tooth requires prompt attention. Hold the tooth by the crown, which is the visible part, rather than touching the root. If it is dirty, gently rinse it with clean water without scrubbing.
If possible, the tooth may sometimes be carefully placed back into its socket, but this should only be attempted if it can be done comfortably and safely. If this is not possible, keep the tooth moist. It can be placed in milk or an appropriate tooth preservation solution while arranging urgent dental assessment.
A baby tooth should not be put back into the socket, as doing so can potentially affect the developing permanent tooth.
Avoid Common First-Aid Mistakes
Some actions can make a dental injury worse. Do not scrub a knocked-out tooth, attempt to straighten a displaced tooth forcefully or apply aspirin directly to the gums. Avoid chewing on the injured side and choose soft foods if eating is necessary before receiving professional care.
If there is a serious facial injury, loss of consciousness, difficulty breathing or swallowing, uncontrolled bleeding, or suspected jaw fracture, emergency medical attention may be required rather than dental care alone.
Prepare Useful Information for the Dentist
Before your appointment, note when and how the injury occurred. If possible, remember whether the tooth was hit directly, whether it became loose or was completely displaced, and whether there was any loss of consciousness.
Taking the injured tooth or any broken dental fragments with you can also be useful. Avoid wrapping a knocked-out tooth in dry tissue, as keeping it moist is important.
Follow Professional Advice Promptly
Dental injuries can involve damage that is not immediately visible. A tooth may appear intact while having an injury to the root, supporting tissues or pulp. Prompt assessment allows these issues to be identified and managed appropriately.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What should I do if my tooth is chipped?
Rinse your mouth gently with clean water and avoid chewing on the affected side. Keep any broken tooth fragments and take them to your dental appointment.
2. Can I put a knocked-out tooth back in?
A permanent tooth may sometimes be carefully placed back into its socket if this can be done safely. Do not attempt to replace a baby tooth.
3. How should I store a knocked-out tooth?
Keep it moist, preferably in milk or a suitable tooth preservation solution. Avoid storing it dry or wrapping it in tissue.
4. Should I use ice after a dental injury?
A cold compress can be applied to the outside of the cheek to help with swelling. Do not place ice directly against the skin.
5. When is a dental injury a medical emergency?
Difficulty breathing or swallowing, severe facial trauma, uncontrolled bleeding, loss of consciousness or suspected jaw fractures require urgent medical attention.
Your Healthy Smile Dentists
154 Bennett Rd,
St Clair, NSW 2759, Australia
+61296706991
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