April is National Facial Protection Month

Prevent accidents first. . . …but, know what to do when they do occur

Fractured/Broken tooth

• Find the broken pieces, store in water or milk.
• See dentist within 24 hours – may be able to reattach the broken pieces of tooth.
• Analgesics for pain.

Displaced tooth

• See your dentist immediately.
• If the tooth is extruded (hangs down) try to reposition.

Knocked out tooth

• See your dentist immediately – time is essential! For best results, replantation should be done within 5 – 10 minutes.
• Upon locating the tooth, hold it by the crown (the wide part, not the pointed end/root).
• Rinse the tooth but avoid rubbing it or touching the root.
• Put the tooth back in its socket; cover with gauze or tissue and bite down to stabilize it. Or, briefly store the tooth in cold milk. Alternatively, spit in a cup and place the tooth in the cup.
• Do not let the tooth dry out. A tooth can usually be saved if cared for properly and reimplanted within an hour.

Above information obtained  from the  American Assoc of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons website  www.aaoms.org