Do You Know When to Call an Emergency Dentist in McKinney?

If you are playing a game of football and get seriously injured or fall from a ladder and break your ankle, you know to immediately to seek medical care at an urgent care office or emergency room. However, what if you wake up with a throbbing toothache? Or severely chip your tooth while trying to open a package with your teeth? Accidents can happen when you least expect them, so it is important to be prepared for when they do occur. Here is an essential guide from an emergency dentist in McKinney on how to handle common dental emergencies.

How to Take Action During a Dental Emergency

Your first step in the event of a dental emergency should always be to call an emergency dentist. He or she will be able to provide advice about immediate care and schedule an emergency appointment right away.

However, even before arriving at the dentist’s office there are steps you can take to prevent further damage and ease the pain, such as:

• Knocked Out Tooth – Try to place the tooth back in the original socket. If you cannot, put the tooth in a secure container filled with milk until you reach the dentist’s office
• Cracked or Broken Tooth – Rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the injured area. Press a cold compress to your face to reduce any swelling. In addition, save and rinse any broken tooth pieces and bring them with you to the dentist’s office
• Toothaches – Rinse with warm water to clean your mouth out
• Foreign Objects Stuck in Your Mouth – Always use floss to remove objects stuck in between your teeth – never a sharp or pointed instrument

How to Prevent Dental Trauma

Accidents cannot always be prevented or avoided – that is why they are called accidents! However, by taking some simple precautions you can reduce the chance of experiencing a dental emergency. Below are some simple tips to help you avoid dental injuries:

• Wear a Protective Mouthguard – Protect your teeth when playing sports or participating in recreational activities
• Avoid Chewing on Hard Foods – Popcorn kernels, hard candy or ice cubes can easily crack a tooth
• Use Scissors – Never use your teeth to tear or open packages

By being mindful and prepared you may be able to prevent some dental emergencies from happening. However, should an accident occur and you hurt your mouth, follow the advice above to help relieve any pain and hold you over until you make it to a dentist in McKinney.

About the Author

A proud member of both the North Texas Dental Society and the American Dental Association, Dr. Zack Hegazin has been bringing smiles to patients faces in McKinney for over 10 years. He knows that accidents can happen when you least expect them, which is why he offers dedicated emergency care and extended evening and weekend hours. For more oral health care tips, contact Dr. Hegazin and the team at Marble Dental Care by visiting their website or calling the office at 214-592-0441.