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.

Imagine you are walking down the street and you find yourself falling flat down on your face. You crack a tooth. What should you do? A cracked or chipped tooth can happen anywhere, anytime. Don't be surprised if you are eating through dinner and suddenly you hear a crack inside your mouth only to find a piece of your tooth.

A cracked or chipped tooth can happen to anyone at the most unexpected moments. Here's what you can do if ever you land up in such a situation.

Save the Chipped Tooth
Don't swallow the chipped tooth. Using your tongue, carefully find the chipped piece and bring it out. You need to save it. If it is big enough, your dentist can put your tooth back together.

Put the chipped tooth piece back in a plastic bag. Ensure you wrap it around with some wet gauze so the piece is always moistened.

Prevent Infections
Until you visit the dentist, you must do all in your power to prevent an infection because that area is susceptible to bacteria. Throughout the day, wash your mouth with warm salt water and keep the area clean. You may want to avoid eating on the injured side.

Use Tooth Wax
Tooth or paraffin wax is perfect for a scenario where you chipped your tooth. Cover that area with the wax. It will help prevent food particles from collecting over there.

What should you eat?
When you have a chipped tooth, avoid eating tough food which you have to chew. It could further damage your tooth. Consider having soup or something soft like noodles.

Reduce the pain
If the tooth chip is causing you pain, here are a few ways to reduce it.

- Use ice to numb the area. Wrap ice or a frozen pea packet in a paper towel and press it against the side the tooth that got chipped.

- When you are brushing your teeth, brush the affected area lightly so as not to cause any inflammation or damage to the chipped tooth or exposed gums.

- If you are experiencing considerable pain from the chipped tooth, have a painkiller.

Get to the Dentist ASAP
Try to visit your dentist as soon as possible. The quicker you visit him/her after the incident, the better chance of your chipped tooth getting fixed.

A cracked or chipped tooth can be a new experience, but it is not one that should be taken lightly. There is no need to panic, your tooth hasn't shattered or fallen out. Just keep these steps in mind if you ever have to go through one.