Dental Emergency: Testing Your Knowledge

We never know when we may face a dental emergency, so it is important to know how to handle it and what you need to be prepared for. If you have a dental emergency near Joliet, would you know what to do? If you know what to do in different types of dental emergency situations, you may be able to alleviate some pain or further damage while you make arrangements to seek professional dental care.

Let’s test your knowledge:

What should you do if you experience tooth pain?

1. Take pain medications per directions.
2. Rub aspirin on your tooth or gum.
3. Apply ice or cold compress to outside of cheek.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm water.

If you chose 1, 3, or 4 you are correct.

These options can provide you with temporary relief. You should consult with your dentist to examine and treat the underlying cause of the pain

Aspirin should not be applied directly to the teeth or gums. Since it is acidic by nature, doing this can further damage your teeth and lead to more problems.

How should you handle a chipped or cracked tooth?

1. Apply gauze.
2. Apply ice or a cold compress.
3. Rinse your mouth with cold water.
4. Treat with over-the-counter fillers.

If you answered 1, 2, or 3 you are correct.

Rinsing you mouth will help keep the area clean, and gauze will help reduce and stop any bleeding that may come from the gums. A cold compress will help with pain and reduce any swelling.

When handling this dental emergency, you should not try to treat it yourself with over-the-counter fillers. Instead, you should contact your dentist immediately for treatment.

You had a tooth knocked out, what should you do?

1. Clean the tooth in water.
2. Place it in milk or saliva.
3. Make a dental appointment.
4. Put it back in the tooth socket.

If you answered 2, 3, and 4 you are correct.

It is not a good idea to clean the tooth in water. For this dental emergency near Joliet, you should immediately contact your dentist and schedule an emergency appointment. In the meantime, to preserve your tooth, you should try to put it back in the socket. If it no longer fits, you should keep the tooth moist (not in water) with either milk or saliva. If you are feeling pain, you can take some pain meds to reduce the discomfort.

You are experiencing swelling; how would you reduce it?

1. Apply a cold compress.
2. Apply a warm compress.
3. Take antibiotics.
4. Take ibuprofen.

If you answered 1, 3, 4 you are correct

Cold compresses and ibuprofen can be used to reduce swelling over time. They are also helpful if the swelling is causing pain. If the swelling is caused by an infection, an antibiotic will be needed to address the infection causing the swelling. Heat can cause an infection to spread more quickly.

A filling or partial filling came out; now what?

1. Fill the cavity with dental cement.
2. Ignore it.
3. Cover it with sugar free gum.
4. Make an appointment with your dentist.

If you answered 1, 3, or 4 you are correct.

You should never ignore a filling that comes out. In the short term you can use dental cement from your at-home tooth repair kit as a temporary filling. You can also use sugar free gum to help protect the tooth. If you leave it exposed, food and beverages can cause further decay of your tooth. The best solution is to have the filling redone by your dentist.

What would you do if you got something stuck in your teeth or gums?

1. Remove it with a pointy object.
2. Leave it alone.
3. Pick at it with your fingers.
4. Remove it with floss.

If you answered 4 you are correct.

You should not pick at your teeth because you could damage you gums or enamel. If you have something stuck between your teeth, floss is a good and safe way to try to remove the obstruction. If you cannot remove the object with floss, you should contact your dentist to assist you.

How would you handle it if your crown falls off?

1. Attach it with superglue.
2. Attach it with toothpaste.
3. Attach with dental cement.
4. Only allow your dentist to attach it.

If you answered 4 you are correct.

You should not try to attach a loose crown on your own. You do not know if your tooth has been damaged under the crown. Also, your dentist will make sure that it is in place correctly to prevent damage to the surrounding teeth. You never want to use a glue in your mouth, they are dangerous in multiple ways.

You bit your lip, tongue, or cheek and now you are bleeding, what now?

1. Use gauze or a teabag.
2. Apply a cold compress or ice.
3. Apply a liquid bandage.
4. Rinse your mouth with warm salty water.

If you answered 1, 2, or 4 you are correct.

If you draw blood by biting your lip, tongue, or cheek, you can apply pressure with a teabag or piece of gauze to help with the bleeding. To help with pain you can apply a cold compress or swirl some salt water in your mouth. If the bleeding lasts for longer than 15 minutes or you caused a deep cut, you should seek immediate medical treatment.

You just broke your braces, or they came loose, how would you handle it?

1. Remove the wire.
2. Attach the brackets with orthopedic wire.
3. Cover the wire with gauze or wax.
4. Affix the bracket with superglue.

If you answered 2 or 3 you are correct.

If your braces come loose and cause discomfort, you can cover the brackets or wires to protect your mouth from cuts and scrapes. You should never try to affix them yourself. It is important to reach out to your orthodontist as soon as possible for them to assist with reattaching the braces.

What is the best way to avoid dental emergencies?

1. Avoid solid foods and intense activity.
2. Try to avoid chewing on solid objects (like pens) or ice.
3. Don’t open nuts or bottles with your teeth.
4. Wear a mouthguard when playing sports (or if needed when sleeping).

If you answered 2, 3, or 4 you are correct.

It is most important to avoid situations and activities that can lead to dental emergencies. That means taking precautions like avoiding chewing on hard items or playing sports unprotected, but you do not need to give up on everything you enjoy.

Dental Emergency Near Joliet

One of the best ways to help prevent these situations is to work with your dentist. If you have a dental emergency near Joliet, we at Shorewood Family Dental Care are here to help. Our experienced staff is ready to help you with your oral health care needs. Contact us at 815-725-5991 to schedule a visit.