How to prevent a dental emergency while we self isolate?

HOW TO AVOID AN EMERGENCY DENTAL VISIT

During this time, trying to prevent a dental emergency is important as we are all trying to stay at home. This is a list of ways to try to prevent an emergency. However, if you are unsure or have an emergency, we are here to help. We are open and ready.

1. If I have gum disease and my gums swell and bleed from time to time, what do I do?

• Brush your gum line at least twice a day for at least 2 minutes. Make sure to time it as we often brush for too short a time. We also don’t position our brushes on the gum line and only on the teeth. Use a soft-bristled brush that has a small head. If you have an electric toothbrush, let the brush do the brushing for you.
• Floss at least once a day. If you have difficulty flossing, use the floss picks or proxy brushes (tiny bottle brush for between your teeth). If you have a Waterpik, pull it out and use it. Put some water and hydrogen peroxide in it, or even water and a few drops of Clorox bleach.
• If you have a history of gum disease, use the peridex mouthwash you were prescribed. Rinse for 1 minute twice a day and do not eat, drink or rinse after for at least 30 minutes. Otherwise you can use warm salt water (1 teaspoon of salt in a glass of warm water); 1% hydrogen peroxide; or water and a few drops of Clorox bleach.

1.  What if I have crowns, temporary crowns or large fillings?

• Avoid chewing ice, hard candies, popcorn or sticky things like gummies, chewing gum, taffy, etc. These will either break your teeth or pull off the crowns or temporary crowns.

1.  What would I do if I cracked my tooth?

• Immediately rinse with warm water to clean the area out. Place a cold compress on the face to keep any swelling down. If there is pain or the sharp broken piece is rubbing your tongue and causing an ulcer, call us to help you.

1. What if I have sores or ulcers in my mouth?

• Rinse your mouth with warm salt water at least 4-5 times a day. Keep your daily oral hygiene routine.
• For toothaches, rinse the mouth with warm water to clean it out. Gently use dental floss to remove any food caught between the teeth. Do not put aspirin on the aching tooth or gum tissues.

1. For objects stuck in the mouth, try to gently remove with floss but do not try to remove it with sharp or pointed instruments.
2. For a knocked-out permanent or adult tooth, keep it moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums or in milk. Call us right away so that we can put it back into the socket.
3. Wear your night guard or retainer every night because as a clencher or grinder, it will help prevent a tooth from cracking while you are sleeping.
4. If you suffer from Dry Mouth, constantly sip on water throughout the day to replenish the saliva your body is not making.

Call us right away if something seems abnormal or not the way it normally feels. We are able to do teledentistry and Dr. Johnson can speak with you virtually and try to see what is going on. We are offering this as a free service to determine if you need to come into the office as an emergency.