As much as we try to protect our teeth, sometimes accidents can’t be avoided. We can brush and floss, see the dentist as recommended, and use mouth guards while playing sports, yet that does not completely protect us from tooth pain or damage. At Reston Serenity Smiles, we want you to be prepared in the event of a dental emergency, so we have prepared a list of what to do for the most common problems we see in our Reston, Virginia practice.
- Toothache — A toothache can be caused by any number of conditions, from an awkwardly lodged popcorn kernel to a diseased tooth root. To ease the pain while you wait to get to the dentist’s office, rinse with warm water and apply a cold compress outside of your mouth near the site of pain. Don’t delay treatment and just hope that the pain will subside; fast action in our office could potentially prevent you from losing a tooth.
- Knocked-Out Tooth — A knocked-out tooth doesn’t mean you’re doomed to have a gap-toothed grin. If you keep your wits about you and preserve the tooth, we may be able to save it. When you lose a tooth, rinse it off (without scrubbing or trying to remove any remaining tissue) and try to insert it back in the socket. If there is resistance, store the tooth in a glass of milk until you can get to our office.
- Lost Filling or Crown — While you wait to be seen by your Reston dentist, you can temporarily replace the filling or crown using an over-the-counter dental cement. If the filling or crown is lost, be sure to keep the remaining tooth clean and moist until it can be treated.
- Gum Infection — If your gums are swollen and appear to be infected, contact our office as soon as possible. If left untreated, an infection can lead to tooth loss. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater and take an over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen to help reduce pain and swelling.
- Food or Other Object Between Teeth — If something is caught between your teeth that cannot be removed by dental floss, do NOT turn to other implements for removal. Pins, fork tines, and even toothpicks can harm your enamel and puncture the delicate skin on your gums. The safest plan of attack is to call our office and let them know that you have an object stuck in your teeth.
You already know that Reston Serenity Smiles offers top-of-the-line preventative, restorative, and cosmetic dentistry, but we are equipped to handle emergencies, as well. If you have a dental emergency or simply need a cleaning, contact our office to schedule an appointment.