Things happen. It’s part of life. But what do you do when, say, you injure a tooth? Many of us have a tendency to ignore dental emergencies for various reasons—maybe we have no time, maybe we don’t take it seriously, or maybe we don’t have the money to treat it. Dental problems, however, are just as important as health problems. In fact, studies show that the two are linked. Here’s a few examples of dental emergencies and how to handle them.
 
For a loose bracket on a set of braces, use the orthodontic wax that the dentist gave you to reattach the brace temporarily. You can also put a piece of the wax over the braces to cushion. If the wire on the braces breaks or is pushed into a position that is poking into you, use the eraser end (not the point!) of a pencil to push it into place, or at least to a more comfortable position. If you can’t move the wire, cover it with orthodontic wax, a small cotton ball, or gauze and call your dentist immediately. Fight the urge to cut the wire, because you might accidentally swallow it or breathe it into your lungs.
 
If your crown falls off, make an emergency dental appointment and bring the crown with you. If your tooth is hurting, get clove oil (found at your local pharmacy) and apply it with a cotton swab to your tooth. Use dental cement or adhesive (or toothpaste, if you must) to keep the crown in place. Avoid super glue; it may cause more damage.
 
If you discover an infection, commonly known as an abscess, in your mouth, be very careful. If incorrectly treated, abscesses can cause a great deal of damage to your mouth and to your general health. This can happen when the infection spreads elsewhere. Abscesses often look like pimples—they’re swollen, filled with pus, and sensitive to the touch. To lessen the pain and help promote healing, rinse your mouth with hydrogen peroxide or salt water (1/2 tsp of salt to 1 cup of water) three times a day, minimum. Do NOT attempt to drain the infection yourself! Leave that to a dentist. We are your Sherwood Park Dentist.
 
If you sustain a cut in your mouth, for instance to your tongue, cheeks, gums or lips, you can usually treat the bleeding yourself. Rinse with salt water (recipe above). Try to get an ice pack on the outside of the mouth or cheek on the injured area. Moisten a piece of gauze, a paper towel, or a tea bag (this works the best) and put pressure on the wound. After a maximum of 10 minutes, remove the ice pack, but keep the pressure on the injury for another 5 to 10 minutes, or until the bleeding stops. If the bleeding doesn’t stop, get an emergency appointment with your dentist or go to an emergency room for help.
 
Dental emergencies will happen, regardless of how careful we are. The important thing to remember is what to do when they occur. With quick thinking and preparation, you can save your teeth and preserve your health for years to come.