Toothaches:

lf you experience a severe or prolonged toothache, first rinse your mouth with a combination of warm {not hot) water and salt. Dislodge any particles caught between teeth by gently prying loose with floss. A cold compress such as an ice pack may be applied to the cheek or outside of the mouth to reduce swelling. Do not apply aspirin or other painkillers to the site of the toothache or surrounding areas. Aspirin and other pain killers may burn the gum tissue, worsening pain and injury.

Chipped or broken teeth:

lf possible, save any pieces of the broken tooth. Store the pieces in a sealed bag or container and bring it with you to the dentist’s office. Rinse your mouth using warm water. Rinse out any broken pieces, saving what you can. ln the event of bleeding, use a clean piece of gauze and apply it to the site of bleeding for approximately 10 minutes. Continue to apply pressure until the bleeding stops, changing gauzes as they moisten. To reduce swelling and pain, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth, cheek, or lip near the site of the broken tooth.

Missing teeth:

Pick up the tooth by the crown side {the side used for chewing}. Remove any dirt by gently rinsing in water, but do not remove any attached tissue fragments. Attempt to put the tooth back into its original socket with the roots facing the gums. Do not force the tooth into the socket. lf the tooth cannot be returned to the socket, place it in a small container of milk, a solution of water with a pinch of salt, or a solution containing cell growth medium. See a dentist as soon as possible. A tooth treated within one hour of removal has the highest chance of being returned to its original place.

Objects lodged between teeth:

lf an object is stuck between teeth, try removing it with dental floss. Be very gentle and careful when removing the object. Never use a pin or sharp object to dislodge the object. This may scratch your gums, promote bleeding, or otherwise worsen the problem. lf you cannot safely remove the object, see your dentist at the earliest opportunity.

Lost filling:

Temporarily seal the opening of the tooth using a stick of sugarless gum or over the-counter dental cement. See your dentist as soon as possible as open cavities have an increased likelihood of becoming infected by bacteria or debris.

Lost crown:

lf your dental crown falls off, store the crown in a sealed container and schedule a visit with us as soon as possible. lf the tooth is causing pain, apply a bit of clove oil to the area using a cotton swab while you wait to see your dentist. lf you can, place the crown back over the tooth. First, coat the surface using an over-the-counter dental cement, denture adhesive, or toothpaste. Only use products approved for oral use. Note that this is only a temporary measure and that you should have the crown sealed back into place by your dentist as soon as possible.

Abscess:

Infections that occur near the root of a tooth or in the space between gums and teeth are called abscesses. These infections can damage tissue and surrounding teeth. Left untreated, infection can spread to other parts of the body. One sign of an abscess is a pimple-like swelling on the gum that causes pain. Rinse the mouth with a mild salt water solution to alleviate pain. Rinse several times a day. See your dentist as soon as possible so the infection does not worsen.

Soft-tissue injuries:

These include injuries to the cheeks, gum, tongue, End lips that may result in bleeding. Rinse your mouth a mild salt water solution or take a clean piece of gauze and apply pressure to the bleeding site to stop the bleeding. Hold the gauze for 5 to 10 minutes. lf bleeding does not stop and your dentist cannot be reached, head to the hospital emergency room. Continue to apply pressure to the bleeding site changing gauze as needed until you receive professional treatment.

Dr. Assadian and his highly qualified staff are here to assist you in all aspects of your dental needs.