People generally do not have sufficient knowledge on how to provide first aid for urgent dental problems that occur at unexpected times. However, very simple practices can prevent the emergence of situations that are very difficult to solve later.
Toothache
Food deposits on the aching tooth and between the teeth should be cleaned using a toothbrush and dental floss, and the mouth should be rinsed thoroughly with salt water obtained by adding half a teaspoon of salt to half a glass of water.
ASPIRIN or any other painkiller should never be applied to the aching tooth. Due to their chemical structure, such drugs can cause irritation in the gums and surrounding soft tissues. This will cause a second pain in addition to the toothache.
If there is swelling on the face due to inflammation, a cold compress should be applied to that area.
You can take a painkiller before going to the dentist.
If there is a cavity on the tooth due to decay, a small amount of cotton soaked in clove oil (eugenol) can be placed there. Eugenol will reduce the pain. However, when doing this procedure, eugenol should not be used excessively so that it does not leak into the gum. Because clove oil also has a destructive effect on soft tissues.
You should see a dentist as soon as possible.
Tooth Fracture and Trauma
If possible, the broken tooth piece should be found and protected with the thought that it may help the treatment.
You should see a dentist within 30 minutes.
In the meantime, if there is bleeding in the area, pressure should be applied with a clean gauze. If the bleeding does not stop within 15 minutes despite applying pressure, the nearest health institution should be consulted.
Tooth fractures, teeth moving or coming out of their place, injuries to oral tissues and concussions often occur as a result of bumps and falls while playing contact sports such as basketball, football etc. and traffic accidents. The most appropriate method to prevent mouth injuries and tooth fractures that may occur especially in children who play contact sports is to ensure that they use a mouth guard.
If the tooth moves in its own socket due to a blow, it should be tried to be brought back to its previous position with light finger pressure.
The tooth should never be forced into its socket.
A dentist should be consulted within 30 minutes at the latest.
Teeth Displaced
The displaced tooth must be found.
The tooth found must be held by the crown. The tooth must be held by the root to prevent further damage to the tissues here. If the tissues at the root of the tooth are damaged too much, it will not be possible for the tooth to hold onto its socket. Foreign substances on the tooth held by the crown must be washed under running water.
No scrubbing should be done during cleaning of the tooth surface and a brush should never be used.
First of all, the tooth must be tried to be placed in its socket.
Excessive force should not be applied while placing the tooth in its socket. Otherwise, serious damage to the tooth and the tooth socket may be caused.
If the tooth can be placed in its socket, a clean gauze should be placed on it and bitten to keep it in place.
In this way, a dentist should be consulted as soon as possible.
If the tooth cannot be placed in its socket, it should be preserved in milk or water until it is taken to the dentist.
In order to recover the displaced tooth, it is necessary not to damage the tooth tissues too much and to consult a dentist as soon as possible.
If it is preserved under appropriate conditions and delivered to the dentist within half an hour at the latest, the chance of saving the tooth by placing it back in its socket (reimplantation) is 90%.
Lip and Cheek Injuries
The injured area should be cleaned with warm water.
If there is bleeding in the wound area, pressure should be applied with gauze to stop the bleeding.
A cold compress should be applied to the outside of the cheek or lip.
If the wound is too large and bleeding continues, you should consult your dentist or the nearest emergency clinic.
Mild bleeding after tooth extraction is normal.
If there is severe bleeding, you should immediately contact your dentist or the nearest health institution.
If there is bleeding in the form of leakage, if the gauze placed on the extraction site is held with pressure for half an hour, the bleeding will stop.
If bleeding still continues, it is best to consult your dentist. If this is not possible, soak a tea bag in water, wrap it in gauze and apply pressure to the extraction site. The bleeding will stop within half an hour thanks to the minerals in the tea leaves that help blood clot.
If you do not get a result, contact your dentist or the nearest health center.
