|
Tooth Ache
Take any over the counter pain medication as directed. Using warm salt water, rinse the mouth to displace any food trapped between teeth. If food is stuck under your gum. Tie a knot in a piece of floss and drag the knot back and forth under the effected area of gum. UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you use aspirin directly on the aching tooth or on the gum as this will cause a painful burn. In the event of facial swelling, apply a cold compress to the area. Call Dr. Austin as soon as possible for treatment.
Cut or Bitten Tongue, Lip or Cheek
Ice can be applied to any bruised areas. For bleeding, apply firm pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Biting on a tea bag is also very effective for the stopping of bleeding. If the bleeding does not stop with pressure or continues after 15 minutes, go to an emergency room.
Broken Braces and Wires
Remove a broken appliance only if it comes out easily. If it is lodged or painful to remove, cover any protruding edges with wax or chewing gum. DO NOT REMOVE any wire caught in the gums, cheek or tongue; call your orthodontist immediately. Emergency attention is usually not required for loose or broken appliances that cause no discomfort.
Broken Tooth
Avoid extreme temperatures and try not to chew in the area of the broken tooth. Call Dr. Austin to set up an appointment to restore the broken area of the tooth. In most cases he will recommend the CEREC technology to restore your tooth in one visit.
Knocked Out Permanent Tooth
Recover the tooth, making sure to hold it by the crown (top) and not the root end. Rinse, but do not clean or handle the tooth more than necessary. Reinsert the tooth in the socket and hold it in place using a clean cloth. If the tooth cannot be reinserted, carry it in a cup containing milk. Because time is essential, see a dentist immediately. If an evulsed tooth is not reimplanted within the first 20 minutes, it's long term survival rate goes down dramatically.
Possible Broken Jaw
In the event of jaw injury, tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief. Go immediately to an emergency room.
Bleeding After a Baby Tooth Falls Out
If the bleeding doesn't stop within a couple of minutes, or the bleeding seems like a lot, have your child bite down on a soft cloth, or hold the cloth (tightly) over the bleeding area. Bite down on the cloth for 15 minutes; if bleeding continues, call Dr. Austin
Cold or Canker Sores
Over-the-counter medications will usually provide temporary relief. Dr. Austin routinely recommends Zilactin for his patients.
|
