Oral emergencies, like an injury to your tongue or lip, getting something stuck in your teeth and gums, or damage to one or more of your teeth, can all have serious ramifications to your oral health.
Even though it’s impossible to prevent an oral emergency from happening, your dentist, Dr. Timothy Collier, does offer a few simple tricks you can use to help reduce your chances of having an oral injury or emergency.
Waxed dental floss is especially handy in removing stuck food particles or foreign objects from between your teeth and gums. The waxy coating allows the strand to slide between the teeth and along the gumline. While you are at it, it’s also beneficial to stock a floss threader in the kit. This tool will allow you to work around a stuck object from a different angle.
Having a tooth knocked out is always a traumatic event. If the tooth is completely intact and still alive, Dr. Timothy Collier might be able to implant it back into the socket. You can keep the tooth alive by holding it between your cheek and gums or by using tooth-preservation products that are available at the store. Most come in a can that contains a nourishing gel. All you need to do is put the tooth in the can and seal it tight.
Keeping salt packets and a plastic cup in the kit will help you quickly prepare a saltwater rinse. This is especially helpful for clearing away debris or blood that might result from a hard fall or blow to the face. Many oral injuries involve some swelling. Keeping a few zip-top bags and a washcloth in your kit can help you create a cold compress. Topical oral analgesic can be rubbed onto your gums to partially numb the area for a short time.
If you have further questions about how to better prepare for oral emergencies in Manchester, Iowa, you can call Dental Associates of Manchester at 563-927-4746 to schedule a consultation.