Dental injuries can happen to anyone, regardless of their oral health. If you find yourself in a circumstance that causes mouth trauma, such as a cracked, broken, or chipped tooth, here’s what you should do to relieve discomfort and minimize irreversible harm.
The Following Will Help After A Cracked Tooth
Rinse Your Mouth Out.
Immediately after chipping, cracking, or knocking out a tooth, rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the region and remove any blood or dirt. Also, the broken piece of your tooth may still be in your mouth and will be removed with a quick rinse. This will keep you from swallowing the tooth or accidentally harming other teeth by biting down on it.
Stop the Blood Flow
If the trauma to your mouth has produced bleeding, apply pressure to the region by quickly using a clean cloth or tissue. This will aid in stopping the bleeding and lessen the chance of ingesting additional blood. Scrubbing or irritating the area may result in pain or increased bleeding. Apply consistent pressure to the tooth or gums with minimal movement.
If the bleeding is severe, dial 9-1-1 or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Your injuries could be more serious than a fractured tooth. Furthermore, if the tooth injury was caused by a head injury, you may require additional medical attention.
Attempt to Preserve the Tooth
If your entire tooth has come loose from your mouth, try to find it as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to salvage and replace it. Once you’ve located the tooth, rinse it thoroughly before immersing it in milk or saline solution. If you lack either, keep the tooth in clean water. The sooner you get to the dentist, the higher your chances of saving the tooth.
If your tooth has not completely pulled out from its socket but is still loose, keep it in your mouth. The worst thing you can do is try to remove it yourself. This can result in significant bleeding and an increased risk of infection. Put the tooth back into the socket and call our office at (02) 8599 7107 right away.
Apply a Cold Compress
A cold compress applied to the affected area will help relieve pain and swelling. The cold constricts blood vessels, slowing blood flow to that area of the mouth. This reduces inflammation, numbs the region, and stops the bleeding. Fill a ziplock bag with ice and cover it in a towel before applying.
Utilize an OTC Pain Reliever.
If you’re in a lot of pain, try taking an over-the-counter pain killer before seeing your dentist for help. These will alleviate pain while also decreasing inflammation. Ibuprofen, aspirin, and acetaminophen are the most commonly used in this case.
It can be a scary time when you have chipped, cracked, or knocked out a tooth. However, with the right approach, you can possibly save the tooth and, at the very least, stop the bleeding. As soon as you can, call (02) 8599 7107 to make an appointment to see one of our dentists to find out what to do next. There are options such as filling the tooth, applying a resin bond, or you may need a dental implant if the tooth is too far gone or missing. Our dentists at TLC Dental will know what to do and are ready to help.