What you must know in a dental emergency
Dr Christina Liew of SMILEFOCUS explains how to manage a dental emergency.
With Singapore’s temperate climate conducive to outdoor activity, it’s no surprise accidents involving trauma to the mouth and teeth are very frequent. The most injured area of the body during contact sport is the mouth. Slippery marble floors and swimming pools are also hazardous. In emergencies, quickly identifying the extent of trauma and taking the appropriate action is essential.
Do the following in the event of an avulsion – when the tooth is completely knocked out of the gum:
1. Locate the tooth and check there’s no obvious damage to the root. Providing there’s not too much trauma and blood, lick the tooth clean. Alternatively, the tooth can be washed in plain milk – don’t use water!
2. If it’s a baby tooth don’t try to replant it, as the pressure can damage the adult tooth still to come through.
3. Try to replant an adult tooth by holding it in place using finger pressure or by biting on a handkerchief.
4. If you can’t replant the tooth, keep it under your tongue or inside your cheek. Alternatively, place the tooth in plain milk or salt water. As a last resort, place the tooth in plastic wrap, a wet towel or water. If the tooth has been fractured off rather than completely knocked out, try to find the fractured piece, as it can often be re-bonded. Place the piece in salt water or tap water.
5. See a dentist immediately, preferably within one hour of
the trauma.
the trauma.
For more serious injuries involving bone fractures to the face, go to the hospital immediately, and later with a follow up to the dentist to check for tooth damage. The signs and symptoms of serious injuries can be nosebleeds, swelling, bruising and possibly impaired vision. Pain when swallowing or talking, or irregular alignment of bottom teeth to upper teeth are also signs of a serious injury. Treat all fractures by placing a cold compress over the area to reduce swelling, bleeding and pain. If there’s excessive bleeding, apply direct pressure to the wound.
Severe pain, even when unaccompanied by visible symptoms, may also indicate an emergency. For example, root canal infections have no visible symptoms, but the pain can be excruciating and shouldn’t be ignored. The first rule in any emergency is to stay calm. This is the most important way to help your child, family member and yourself.
Dr Tatiana Luebke BDS (Bristol)
Dr Tatiana Luebke practiced for more than 10 years inBrazil and France
Dr Tatiana Luebke practiced for more than 10 years in
