WEST ALLIS, Wis. – Nobody plans to chip a tooth playing volleyball or feel a sharp, stabbing pain while sipping a frozen drink by the pool, but summer dental emergencies can happen. The Wisconsin Dental Association (WDA) wants to be sure Badger State residents know what to do when tooth trouble strikes.

 “Any injury to your teeth or mouth can be serious and even result in permanent damage, so it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible,” said Dr. Tom Reid, a general dentist in Madison and president-elect of the WDA. “That said, as a parent with an active family, I know from experience that emergencies often arise on weekends, after hours or when you’re away from home. An emergency dentist may not always be readily available, so knowing the steps to take until you’re able to get professional care can prevent painful complications and even save your tooth.”

Until you receive care from a dental professional, Dr. Reid and the WDA recommend the following steps in case of a dental emergency:

• For a chipped or cracked tooth, immediately rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. If you develop swelling, lightly apply a cold compress to your face.
  
• For throbbing, achy tooth pain, take ibuprofen, acetaminophen or any NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) to reduce pain. Refrain from eating sticky, crunchy or chewy foods.  
  
• For a knocked-out permanent adult tooth, keep the tooth moist at all times. If you can, try placing the tooth back in the socket without touching the root. If that’s not possible, place it in between your cheek and gums, in milk or use a tooth preservation product that has the ADA Seal of Acceptance.
  
• For a knocked-out baby tooth, find the tooth and keep it moist until you can see a dental professional. Your dentist can determine whether the entire tooth or just part of it came out, and check to make sure all pieces of the tooth are accounted for.
  
• If you have an object stuck in your mouth or teeth, try to gently remove it with floss. Do not use a sharp or pointed instrument. If you cannot safely remove it, see your dentist to avoid further pain or infection.
  
• If you bite your tongue or lip, clean the area gently with water and apply a cold compress. See your dentist or go to the emergency room if there is excessive bleeding or you are in a lot of pain.
  
• On vacation and have a dental emergency? Call your dentist to see if the problem can wait until you are home or if you need to seek dental care at your vacation destination. If needed, use the ADA Find-A-Dentist tool to locate a dentist near your vacation spot.
  

Fortunately, you may be able to prevent some dental emergencies. Dr. Reid suggests the following precautions:

• Limit alcohol intake. Sugar-heavy beverages, like some wines, fuel harmful bacteria in your mouth and can be a major risk factor in tooth decay. In addition, dehydration, a common side effect of alcohol consumption, can produce the same damaging outcome by decreasing saliva flow and allowing bacteria to cling to enamel. If you are enjoying a few drinks this summer, simply alternate alcohol with a glass of water to keep your mouth rinsed and hydrated.
  
• Snack smart. Ice cream, popsicles and sugary candies are just some of the treats you’re sure to encounter during summer in Wisconsin. While these are fine in moderation, it helps to eat these foods during or shortly after a meal when saliva production is high and helps wash food particles away.
  
• Remember, teeth aren’t tools! Don’t use your teeth to open or cut things, including tags on new clothing items, food wrappers, bottle caps and more. Doing this can risk a cracked or chipped tooth. Always use scissors or the proper tool for the job.
  
• Wear a mouthguard. If you are participating in a recreational activity or contact sport, wearing a mouthguard can protect your teeth if you fall or collide with a person or object.
  
  

For more information about dental emergencies, finding a dentist and tips on your oral health, visit www.wda.org and www.mouthhealthy.org.