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What NOT to do During a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies happen when you least expect

They can take the form of sudden trauma or minor pain that’s ignored to the point of desperation.

Whatever the reason, there is most definitely a set of do’s and DON’Ts when it comes to emergency dental care and immediate action. From Gole Dental’s perspective, here’s what NOT to do in the case of an emergency situation.

Don’t throw away the chipped or broken tooth.

Try your best to keep the broken fragment in its original condition. Clean the area inside your mouth around the broken tooth and rinse your mouth with warm water or a mild salt solution. Bring the tooth with you to the dental office, if properly preserved, there’s a chance it could be reattached.

Don’t keep a knocked-out tooth dry till it can be reattached.

If you are hoping to save the tooth for reattachment, it must be kept moist at all times. The best case scenario is placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If you can’t do that, place it between your cheek and gums or in a small glass of milk. Head to your emergency dental clinic right away.

Most importantly, don’t panic.

This is the hardest thing. When your child is in serious pain or when you are caught totally off guard, it’s easy to freak out, but that’s the worst thing you could do. Do your best to remain calm throughout the whole process, that will help you make the smartest decisions and truly help the person in pain. Overreacting leads to panic, frustration, and fear. None of those emotions are helpful in a dental emergency. Stay calm and find a dentist!

Interested in learning more? Check out our blog “3 of the Most Common Dental Emergencies” and if you have any questions related to your dental health and happiness, please reach out to the professionals at Gole Dental.