Tips from a Staten Island Dentist on Preventing and Handling Dental Emergencies

With the resumption of school and the start of sports activities, awareness of the potential for a dental emergency is a timely reminder. Oakwood Dental, with two locations on Staten Island, handles dental emergencies when they arise and also offers pointers on how to avoid them.

When engaging in sports or recreational activities, a mouth guard is a wise investment that can offer protection from various possible injuries. A mouth guard, though, won’t protect against some of the main causes of dental distress amongst kids, according to the American Dental Association (ADA), such as chewing ice, hard candy or popcorn kernels. The ADA also warns against trying to cut something by biting it.

When a dental emergency does occur, don’t delay visiting an Oakwood Dental office in Staten Island. Treatment by a skilled dentist is most effective when an emergency can be addressed promptly.

In the case of a knocked-out tooth during recreational activities, try putting it back in its socket. Otherwise, keep it between the cheek and gums or place it in milk, then make a bee-line for the dentist. Similarly, for a cracked tooth, cleanse the mouth with a warm-water rinse and head for the dentist right away.

“Bite your tongue” is a common expression, but when it happens for real during sports practice, keep the area clean and apply a cold compress, then see the dentist. The same goes for a bitten lip.

For toothaches, clean the mouth by rinsing with warm water. Gently floss to remove any food between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on your aching tooth or gums; it may burn the gum tissue. If pain persists, see your dentist.

When objects are stuck in the mouth, try to remove them gently with floss, but do not try to use a sharp or pointed instrument. Again, if you cannot successfully remove it yourself, see your dentist at Oakwood Dental to quickly and thoroughly resolve the issue.