We’d be willing to bet that in the excitement of picnics, fireworks, touch football and running through sprinklers, the last thing on your mind is your teeth. Don’t worry, we’re all guilty here—but in all the festivities, watch out for your teeth! Dental trauma is defined as any trauma to the mouth that causes bleeding and lacerations to the gums, and may dislodge or fracture teeth—but don’t worry, Hudec Dental has got you covered!
Take Steps to Prevent Dental Trauma
Caution is key. Wearing a mouth guard during sports such as baseball, football, basketball, and yes, even jumping on the trampoline, can help protect against dental trauma.
Avoid hard foods and candies. Where’s the fun in that? We know—but avoiding biting down too hard on things like jawbreakers, corn on the cob, nuts, etc… can save you a lot of pain in the long run!
But even being careful isn’t always enough, and a lot can happen to your teeth clear out of the blue! Accidents happen—a slip and fall, a bite down on an unexpected bone or popcorn kernel…and in a second those picnics can turn ugly!
If you or someone you know suffers from dental trauma, follow these steps, and get in and see us right away!
If You Chip a Tooth
Don’t Panic—often, a chipped tooth can be remedied easily by a dental professional.
- Gently rinse your mouth with warm water
- Find the chipped piece
- Keep the piece moist by slightly dampening some gauze, wrapping the tooth and storing it in a plastic bag.
- Purchase dental cement (available at most drugstores) and cover the tooth until you can get in and see us!
If You Lose a Permanent Tooth
- Don’t Panic—over five million teeth get knocked out every year! You’re in good hands.
- Handle the tooth by the crown (chewing surface) ONLY! Never by the root!
- Gently rinse the tooth and your mouth with warm water. Do not scrub or dry the tooth!
- If possible, insert the tooth into the socket by carefully placing it and closing your mouth, taking care to keep it in place.
- If inserting it into the socket is not possible, it’s imperative to keep the tooth moist. Place it in an emergency tooth preservation kit (available at most drugstores), milk, or just in your mouth next to your cheek.
- See a dentist as soon as possible, within thirty minutes of the injury is best.
We wish you all a wonderful and safe Fourth of July—and should you need us after hours, call your local office for an emergency dental contact.
