How to Handle Dental Emergencies During Holidays

Accidents happen, even over the holidays. Uncle Rusty drops the mashed potatoes on the floor. Grandma hits a few ornaments off the tree. Cousin Brendan knocks out a tooth playing pond hockey. In cases of dental accidents, do you know what to do? Here’s how you should handle dental emergencies during the holidays.

Toothaches : First, rinse your mouth with warm salt water and use dental floss to remove any food that may be lodged in your teeth. Ease any swelling by applying a cold compress to your cheek.

Chipped or Broken Teeth : Save any pieces and rinse your mouth with salt water. If there’s bleeding, hold gauze to the area for ten minutes or until the bleeding stops. Apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth where the chip is to keep swelling down.

Knocked-Out Tooth : Hold the tooth by the top that’s usually exposed in your mouth and rinse it off. Do not scrub it or remove any tissue fragments. If you can’t put the tooth back in place, but don’t force it. If not, place it in a container of milk. If you don’t have milk, put the tooth in a cup  water with a pinch of salt.

Partially Dislodged Tooth : To alleviate pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the check in the affected area, and take over-the-container pain relievers as needed.

Lost Crown : Bring the crown with you to the dentist. If the tooth hurts, apply a dab of clove oil to the sensitive area. If possible, place the crown back on the tooth after coating the inside with over-the-counter dental cement, denture adhesive, or toothpaste. Do not use super glue!

Abscess : Abscesses are infections that, if serious, can cause tissue and tooth damage and possibly spread to other parts of the body. If you find a painful, blemish-like growth on your gums, ease pain and draw the pus to the surface of the swelling by rinsing your mouth with salt water solution.

In every case, see your dentist as soon as possible so he or she can resolve the issue. Hopefully the only emergency you have to deal with this holiday is finding an outfit to wear to family dinner. If you do find yourself in the middle of any dental emergencies, follow these tips until you can see your dentist. If you’re in Batavia or Geneva, call Dr. Ronald Murphy to save the day.

Dr. Ronald Murphy is your trusted Dentist in Batavia, Geneva, and St. Charles, IL. We are c ommitted to the highest standards of dental care and to ensuring that every patient leaves our office with a bright and healthy smile. Call our office today at (630) 879-7642 to schedule an appointment with our attentive and compassionate staff.