Toothache
 Your
first step, not surprisingly, will be to take the pain
reliever of your choice. (If aspirin is your choice, don't,
as some may suggest to you, crush the tablet and apply
the powder directly on the tooth. Aspirin will create
a burning sensation on your gums, and can corrode the
enamel on your teeth, as well). Since the painkiller will
take some time to take effect, try the following in the
meantime:
-Numb the pain.
Apply an ice pack on your cheek--line it up with the aching
tooth inside your mouth. Especially if you have an infection,
this will reduce swelling and discomfort in the area.
Some toothaches aren't caused by infection; they respond
well to moist heat and worsen with cold. If cold seems
to intensify the pain in the tooth (and doesn't just feel
unpleasantly cold on your cheek) then try a hot water
bottle or a heat pack.
-Avoid drinking or eating
any substances that might irritate the tooth.
For example, foods or drinks that are either very hot
or very cold, or contain sugar, or require a lot of crunching
or chewing. Gum is also best avoided, even if it's sugar-free.
If you're seeing a dentist that day, consider not eating
at all until you've had a chance to meet. No food?!? Unless
it's baby-food consistency, any food is bound to irritate
the situation and should be avoided if the pain is severe.
-Gargle.
In the meantime, make a saltwater gargle out of a pint
(.5 liter) of clean water and 1/2 to 1 teaspoon (about
10-15 mg) of salt. This will keep the area clean and may
flush out any problem-causing bacteria.
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Treating
a Knocked-Out Tooth
Try to rinse it gently in running water without scrubbing
or removing any attached tissue fragments. Gently insert
the tooth in the tooth 'socket' (where it was knocked
out) and hold it in place. If this is not possible, place
the tooth in a cup of milk or in a cup of cool water if
milk is not available. See your dentist within 30 minutes,
or as as soon as possible. And don't forget to bring the
tooth! |
Something
stuck between your teeth?
First, try using dental floss, very gently and carefully,
to remove the object. Never poke between your teeth with
a pin or similar sharp, pointy object; it can cut your
gums or scratch the tooth surface. If you can't get the
obstruction out, see your dental doctor. |
A
Lost filling
 Temporarily
protect your tooth from exposure by sticking a piece of
chewing gum into the cavity. (Make sure it's sugarless;
sugar will probably cause pain.) See a dentist as soon
as possible. |
A
badly bitten lip or tongue
Press
a clean cloth against the bitten spot to control the bleeding.
If your mouth is swollen, apply a cold compress. If bleeding
continues, go to a hospital emergency department. |
If
your child's tooth is knocked out
 Carefully
rinse the tooth in water. Make sure that you do not touch
the root of the tooth with your hands. The root is the
portion of the tooth embedded in the gum and not normally
seen.Attempt
to place the tooth back in its socket and secure with
a wet wrap. If this is not possible or if you are afraid
that your child might swallow the tooth, place it in a
glass containing either saliva or milk. See your dentist
immediately. |
If
your child's tooth is chipped
 Check
to see if your child is experiencing pain or sensitivity
in the tooth. If so, call your dentist and seek dental
treatment immediately.If
your child is not experiencing pain or sensitivity, contact
your dentist to see whether or not your child should be
seen. In most cases, this will not require immediate attention
and your dentist will schedule your child for an appointment.
(Note: These instructions also apply toward the grown-ups). |
Problems
With Braces and Retainers
 Problems
with braces and retainers are If a wire is causing irritation,
cover the end with a small cotton ball, beeswax or a piece
of gauze, until you can get to the dentist. If a wire
gets stuck in the cheek, tongue or gum tissue, do not
attempt to remove it. Go to your dentist immediately.
If an appliance becomes loose or a piece of it breaks
off, take the appliance and the piece and go to the dentist.
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