A woman tends to her son who has experienced a mouth injury. She is holding a cloth to his face as he cries.

WHAT TO DO IF YOU EXPERIENCE A DENTAL EMERGENCY?

Now that summer is here, more of us will be spending time outdoors enjoying the beautiful weather and all of the activities that come along with it. As dental practitioners, Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates is aware that individuals need to exercise caution when participating in outdoor fun, whether it be sports, biking, hiking, swimming, etc. 

Sudden traumatic dental injuries have a tendency to increase during the summer months, so it’s important for adults and children to understand what to do and what to expect in the event of a dental emergency. 

The first step in preventing a dental injury, particularly when playing sports, is to wear a mouthguard. A well-fitted mouthguard can protect the mouth, jaw, and tongue when there is an unexpected blow to the face. In the event that one does not have a mouthguard and an injury does occur, it is best to stay calm and check for any bleeding. Try to contain any bleeding and apply ice to minimize swelling. If upon further exam, the tooth appears loose, you should contact our office so that we can evaluate the severity of the situation. If the tooth has been knocked out, locate the missing tooth. Do not touch the root of the tooth and place it in a glass of milk as soon as possible to keep the tooth hydrated. Again, call our office immediately for an emergency appointment. 

There are, however, less severe injuries that can occur during outdoor activities. Chipped, cracked, and broken teeth are prime examples of summer dental injuries. If your child likes to participate in contact sports, a mouthguard is key in minimizing injuries of this type. Non-contact activities, including bike riding, jumping on a trampoline, running, or even swimming, can still result in a traumatic dental injury (TDI).

Depending on the severity of the injury, a simple filling or repair may be required. Keep in mind that some serious cracks or chips may not cause pain but should still be addressed with your dentist. A quick visit to our office can determine the next steps. 

Although summer can bring an increased risk of dental emergencies, many parents find it is a great time for their child to get started with orthodontics. Without school activities and other obligations, summer provides greater flexibility to make that orthodontist appointment. It’s also an ideal time for children to get accustomed to wearing an appliance before heading back to school. 

We hope that these tips will be helpful for our patients and their families this summer. No matter what potential problems arise, it’s reassuring to know that cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in restoring a patient’s smile. Weaver, Reckner, and Reinhart Dental Associates is a full-service dental practice serving families in Harleysville and Souderton. Our team of caring doctors and highly-trained dental assistants, and hygienists are capable of handling routine visits and any dental emergencies that arise. 

If you are interested in learning more about our services, including orthodontics, please browse our website or call us at 215-486-1649/215-486-1652.