A dental emergency can happen at any time, and now that summer is here, broken or chipped teeth, a knocked out tooth or any other dental emergency is more apt to happen. Other dental emergencies that may occur include lost fillings and problems with orthodontic appliances.

If you or someone in your family has a dental emergency, the first thing you need to do is call your dentist. Your Glenview dentist is equipped to handle a dental emergency, and will make sure to fit you in as quickly as possible. However, in the meantime you can do some things before you get to the dentist’s office.

For a knocked out adult or permanent tooth WebMd explains that it is imperative that you keep it moist. You can try to place the tooth back into its socket, but be careful to hold it by the white top part that you see in your mouth and not the roots of the tooth. If it is not possible to put the tooth back, place it in between your gums and your cheek or in a cup of milk. You can also use a tooth preservation product available from your local pharmacy. If your knocked out tooth is dirty, never try and clean it as the connective tissue and blood vessels on the roots need to remain intact until you get to the dentist’s office.

If you have cracked a tooth, rinse your water with warm water and clean the area. Use cold compresses on your face to help keep the swelling down.

If you bite your lip, tongue or cheek be sure to clean the area with warm water and apply cold compresses until you can get to the Glen Dental Center.

Toothaches can be relieved by rinsing your mouth with warm water. Use dental floss to gently remove any food or particles that could be caught in your teeth and causing pain. Never put aspirin on your gums or the aching tooth. If you need immediate relief, paint the aching tooth with oil of cloves.

If you have a dental emergency, it is vital that you get to the dentist’s office as quickly as possible to avoid any further damage.

For more information regarding dental emergencies, of if you are experiencing a dental emergency call the Glen Dental Center immediately.