We’re Here When You Need Us
By being diligent in caring for your smile, including visiting the dentist on a regular basis, you can avoid many of the issues that commonly threaten people’s smiles. You’re less likely to get tooth decay or gum disease, for example, or to allow a minor issue like a chipped tooth grow into a more severe concern, like a fractured one. However, even the most diligent dental hygiene and preventive care can’t always protect your smile in an emergency situation. Because we understand the urgency and unexpected nature of most dental emergencies, we’re happy to make emergency appointments for new and returning patients.
Common dental emergency tips
- Object stuck between teeth – If something is stuck between your teeth, such as food debris, it can lead to varying levels of tooth pain, gum irritation and inflammation, and more. Floss thoroughly but carefully to remove the object, then rinse your mouth carefully with warm water. If you notice bleeding or inflammation, then schedule an emergency visit as soon as possible.
- Broken tooth – If your tooth breaks, then collect the broken piece, if possible. Rinse it carefully with warm water and bring it with you to your dental visit. Also, rinse your mouth carefully with warm water, taking special care to swish around the broken tooth to rinse away any additional debris. If you notice bleeding, then bite down gently on clean, moist gauze to stop it.
- Knocked-out tooth – If your tooth is knocked out of its socket, then collect it and rinse it carefully with warm water. Take care to only handle the tooth’s crown (top portion) and not its root or any of the ligaments around it. Store the tooth in a small container of milk and bring it with you to your emergency appointment.
Schedule an emergency dental visit
Follow these few tips to minimize your emergency, but also, call us immediately to treat it as urgently as possible. If you have a dental emergency, then schedule your visit at Healthy Smiles Family Dentistry in Houston, TX, today by calling (281) 974-4494.