From hiking and biking to swimming and sports, summer is all about getting outside and having fun. Along with more physical activity, however, comes a greater risk of injury – and dental emergencies. Knowing what to do if you or someone in your family experiences a dental injury can reduce stress and discomfort while you seek prompt treatment to prevent further tooth damage and other oral health issues.
In this guide, we’ll cover the five most common types of dental emergencies and a quick explanation of what to do about them. We’ll also discuss how to prevent summer dental emergencies, so you can stop tooth problems from disrupting your vacation in the first place.
How to Treat the 5 Most Common Dental Injuries
1. Knocked-Out Tooth
A knocked-out tooth is one of the most serious dental emergencies and requires immediate action to prevent tooth loss, starting with a call to your local emergency dentist. To successfully treat a knocked-out tooth, you’ll need to find a dentist in your area who will see you within three hours or less. (Missing teeth treated within 60 minutes have the best overall chance of survival.)
If a permanent tooth becomes fully dislodged, locate the missing tooth and, while handling the tooth only by its crown, rinse it under cold water for no more than 10 seconds. (If available, wear clean disposable gloves while handling the tooth.) Do not touch the roots of the tooth or wipe the tooth with a cloth; it’s imperative to keep the root tissue intact so your dentist can reattach the tooth.
After rinsing the tooth, place it back in the tooth socket if it’s a permanent tooth (do not attempt to reinsert a child’s primary teeth). To do this, press the tooth gently back into the socket until the crown is level with the teeth on either side. Then, bite down on a gauze pad or clean cloth to keep the tooth in place. In most cases, teeth that are reinserted within five minutes will survive with timely dental care. If you’re unable to reinsert the tooth, hold it between your cheek and gums or place it in a container or glass of milk and take it with you to your emergency dental appointment.
Even if you can’t locate the missing tooth, you should see an emergency dentist as soon as possible. In many cases, teeth that appear fully dislodged leave broken roots or fragments behind, which can cause severe infection if not treated promptly. More rarely, teeth that appear missing have become lodged in the gums.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth
Though chipped or cracked teeth are usually less painful than knocked-out teeth, they still require immediate care. Swift action greatly improves the chances that you’ll be able to save the broken tooth and prevents secondary problems like infection. If you or someone in your family suffers tooth damage, call your local emergency dentist and arrange a same-day appointment.
To protect the damaged tooth and prepare it for restoration, rinse your mouth gently with warm water (do not brush or floss, as this could make the damage even worse). Then, collect any fragments that have broken off the tooth and wrap them in a damp cloth or submerge them in a container of milk. Make sure you bring the broken pieces to your dental appointment, as your dentist may be able to reattach them using dental bonding.
If you’re experiencing bleeding, gently bite down on a piece of gauze or a clean cloth until the bleeding stops. To reduce swelling and discomfort, take an over-the-counter pain reliever and apply a cold compress to your cheek.
3. Toothache, Gum Pain, or Swelling
Unexplained toothache or swelling in the mouth should never be ignored. A toothache means that the delicate inner pulp of the tooth has become inflamed, which may indicate dental injury, advanced tooth decay, or the early stages of a dental infection. As such, you should call your dentist at the first sign of dental pain or gum inflammation.
When you call your dentist, discuss your symptoms in detail and ask for advice on which over-the-counter medications you can use to alleviate your toothache. Because dental infections can worsen quickly, you should try to get an appointment with your dentist as soon as possible.
In addition to taking a pain reliever, apply a cold compress or ice pack to your jaw to reduce swelling and soreness. Don’t use a heating pad or hot water bottle, as heat will increase inflammation, potentially making the pain worse. Eat only soft foods (such as pudding, applesauce, and oatmeal) to avoid irritation until you can have your tooth examined by a dentist, and drink plenty of cold fluids.
4. Periodontal Abscess
A periodontal abscess is an infection that starts in the gums, often as a result of gum disease, untreated tooth decay, or injury. They form when bacteria infiltrates the gum tissue and tooth roots and become trapped, creating pus and damaging surrounding tissues. Some early symptoms of a gum abscess are localized irritation, redness, and swelling.
If left untreated, an abscess typically develops into a raised red lump resembling a pimple on the gum. At this stage, the area may feel hot and painful to the touch and be accompanied by other symptoms, such as fever, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. In severe cases, severe swelling can occur, and the abscess can burst (releasing pus into the mouth), spread to nearby facial tissues, or put the patient at risk of tooth loss, sepsis, and other serious complications.
Because abscesses are potentially dangerous, it’s crucial to act fast and seek dental treatment immediately if you suspect you have a dental infection. At the first sign of gum redness or swelling, call your dental office and describe your symptoms in detail. Your dentist will prescribe medication (such as a topical or systemic antibiotic) to clear the infection, then treat the underlying cause of the abscess. For example, if you suffer from gum disease, your dentist may recommend periodontal treatment, such as dental planing or a deep cleaning. If the infection originated in the root of your tooth, root canal treatment will be needed to remove the infected pulp and seal the tooth, preventing tooth loss.
While you’re waiting for your dental appointment, you can reduce discomfort from a gum infection at home by taking an over-the-counter pain reliever and rinsing your mouth with mild salt-water solution three times per day. Do not attempt to drain the abscess at home because doing so can spread the infection to your bloodstream, putting you at risk of sepsis.
If your symptoms worsen suddenly or include a high fever, chills, or confusion, seek immediate treatment at your local emergency department.
5. Lost Filling or Crown
Though dental fillings and crowns are durable, long-lasting dental restorations, certain factors can cause them to become loose over time. New decay around a dental filling or crown, biting down too hard, tooth grinding (bruxism), or injury can all damage or dislodge fillings and crowns.
If you have lost a dental filling or crown, let your dentist know as soon as possible; waiting to replace a missing dental restoration can result in further damage to the tooth and increases the risk of infection. If possible, find the missing dental restoration and bring it to your appointment-educational; your dentist may be able to cement it back in place. If not, your dentist will fix any damage or decay that has compromised the tooth and place a new crown or filling.
To care for your tooth at home, brush around the affected area (and not directly over it) to avoid irritating exposed nerves. Instead, keep the damaged tooth clean by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water three times per day. Salt water has antibacterial properties that can help prevent infection while you wait to see your dentist. Place dental wax in the space created by the missing restoration to reduce sensitivity and keep the area free from debris. (If you don’t have dental wax, you can temporarily use a small piece of softened sugarless gum.)
How to Prevent Dental Emergencies in Summer
One of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies is to have a dental checkup and cleaning at least twice a year. In combination with excellent oral hygiene, regular dental visits can prevent gum disease, dental infections, and toothache. During your dental exam, your dentist will also check your fillings and crowns for signs of deterioration and replace any restorations that may be in danger of falling out.
Some other ways to reduce the risk of summer dental emergencies include:
1. If you play sports, wear a helmet and mouth guard.
Helmets and mouthguards should be worn whenever you (or your child) participate in team sports or activities with a high impact potential, such as skateboarding and rollerblading. Mouth guards protect the teeth themselves, whereas helmets help shield the face and jaw from impact, which also plays a role in preventing dental injuries.
2.Watch what you eat.
Many popular summer foods can damage the teeth: Popcorn kernels, hard candy, ice cubes, and Popsicle sticks, for example, can lead to cracked teeth or lost fillings if you or your child bites down on them too hard. Other foods and beverages, such as soft candy, soda, and ice cream, cause damage indirectly via decay. Be cautious when chewing hard foods and limit your family’s sugar intake by choosing healthy summer treats, such as fresh fruit, frozen yogurt, sugar-free homemade cookies, and granola.
3.Avoid using teeth as tools.
When outdoors, it can be tempting to use your teeth to open bottles, pull rope, or hold items, but this bad habit comes with a high risk of tooth damage. Avoid using your teeth for any activity other than chewing, and teach your children to do the same.
4.Practice good oral hygiene at home.
To prevent tooth decay and gum disease, brush your teeth at least twice daily, floss once daily, and use mouthwash with fluoride. If you’re outdoors and don’t have access to a toothbrush, rinse your mouth with water after eating.
Visit Dr. Dalmao for General and Emergency Dental Care
Our Mississauga dental practice offers comprehensive oral hygiene education for parents and children. We can teach your family how to brush and floss correctly, how to choose the best oral care products and give you advice on how to encourage good oral health habits at home this summer. (During your next visit, ask about our patient education services for more information about oral care.) Dr. Oscar Dalmao also specializes in a broad range of advanced dental restoration techniques, including dental implants, that can protect, revitalize, and replace damaged teeth.
If you experience a summer dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact our team for assistance. We’ll treat your damaged tooth promptly, thoroughly, and gently, so you can get back to enjoying your summer vacation.