Emergency Dentist Napa
Sports Related Dental Injuries – What you need to know! www.dentistdaily.org
Before you know it school will be back in session, and the beginning of the fall athletic season is underway! Before your children suit up, and return to their favorite playing field, read the following tips on how to prevent and prepare for one of the most common sports-related injuries—dental injuries.
Dental emergencies can occur when your tooth gets “knocked out”, chipped, broken or becomes loosened. Trauma to the mouth can be very serious and painful, so it is important to understand what to do in a dental emergency so you can relieve your child’s pain so they can get back to the game.
Oral injuries can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. Add a mouth guard to your child’s gym bag checklist. Wearing a mouth guard is the best way to protect your teeth and mouth when playing sports. Custom-fitted mouth guards are ideal due to their snug fit against the teeth and enhanced comfort. Face cages and helmets are also helpful protective equipment, especially if your child is a baseball catcher or hockey goalie.
We all know that despite the precautions we take, accidents do happen. Consider this scenario: Your son is at second base when his teammate smashes a ball way out in right field. He darts to third, and then turns to make his way home. As he looks to his left – BAM – the baseball hits him right in the mouth and knocks out his front tooth.
Now what? Immediately call your dentist for an emergency appointment. Time is the essence, because seeing the dentist within 30 minutes of the accident can make the difference between saving and losing the tooth. Handle the tooth by the crown, and do not touch the root (doing so may damage cells needed for bone re-attachment). If the tooth is dirty, rinse it with saline or water, but be sure not to scrub it. Try to insert the tooth back in place, but do not apply great force. Bite down on a piece of wet gauze to hold it in its socket. It is important to keep the tooth moist in order for it to not dry out. If the tooth can’t be put back in its socket, place it in the mouth between the cheek and gum, or wrap the tooth in gauze and immerse it in milk or water on the way to the dentist’s office.
If you chip or fracture your tooth, save the pieces and rinse your mouth with warm water. Place an icepack on the outside of the mouth near the fractured tooth to minimize swelling and call your dentist as soon as possible.
Consider packing an emergency dental care kit, complete with your dentist’s phone number, saline solution, gauze, Ibuprofen and a small container with lid.
If you have a Dental Emergency in Mountain View do not hesitate to contact Napa Dentist Dr. Jack Hoey for a same day dental appointment.
