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Summer time means more time outdoors. Popular activities include swimming, biking and hiking, or simply enjoying the summer sun. With an overall increase in activity, it's important to take extra care of your body to avoid injuries. Diving into a pool can cause you to chip a tooth if the water isn't deep enough. Playing baseball or basketball can also create a risk for trauma to your face and teeth. Either way, your dentist should be the first person you call if you have a dental emergency. Many dentists set aside time specifically for when a dental emergency arises. Always keep your dentist's after hours contact information with you at all times. You never know when a dental emergency might occur and the best step is to be prepared. Whether you are at home or traveling, seeing a dentist within 30 minutes or less can mean the difference between saving or losing your tooth. You Knock-Out Your Tooth: Now What? Whether you are playing a sport or simply walking, if your tooth gets knocked out it is a dental emergency that needs to be handled immediately. If the appropriate emergency steps are followed immediately after your tooth is knocked out, you can increase the chances of your tooth being reinserted and preserved by your dentist. First, and foremost, pick up your tooth by the top of the tooth and do not touch the root. Rinse off your tooth gently to ensure that it is clean, but do not scrub your tooth or remove any tissue attached to it. Be sure to place a towel or washcloth in the sink so that the tooth does not go down the drain. If you can, try to gently place the tooth back into the socket and hold it gently in place while trying to bite down. If the tooth is unable to be placed back into the socket, put it in a small container or in a cup of milk. Call your dentist immediately because getting to your dentist quickly with your tooth is critical for saving your tooth. The longer you wait to re-implant your tooth, the less chance you will have of the tooth being able to be reinserted. Chipped, Cracked or Fractured Teeth If you crack, chip or fracture a tooth, this is considered a serious dental emergency. Fractured and cracked teeth may suggest that the damage occurred to both the inside and outside of the tooth. When the fracture is severe, your tooth may not be able to be saved. Call your dentist immediately if you chip, crack or fracture your tooth. Following these steps will also help in saving your tooth: * Gently rinse your mouth with warm water.
* If your fracture is caused by facial trauma, apply a cold compress to the area to minimize swelling.
* Take acetaminophen or any other pain medicine as directed by your dentist to alleviate pain.
* Never apply a painkiller to your gums because it can burn the tissue. If you are experiencing a dental emergency, you should call your dentist immediately. It is important to act fast and know how to handle a dental emergency. Your dentist in Kenmore can successfully treat your dental injuries, as well as help you avoid future problems.
Sean Hartmen writes for premier Kenmore cosmetic dentist, Dr. Robert LaCarrubba at Kenmore Quality Care. Specializing in services such as sedation, veneers, implants and six month braces, Dr. LaCarrubba, dentist Kenmore, is committed to excellence in dental health care for his patients.
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