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In January 2006, Dr. Malkemus began writing dental health articles for The Community
Voice newspaper. He wanted to give back to the community and share his passion for
health, as well as his observations of the remarkable planet around us. Current
and past articles are provided here. To view his articles as they appear, see the
Health, Beauty, and Fitness Section at www.thecommunityvoice.com.
Other Resources
Dental Emergencies 2009
HOW TO HANDLE COMMON DENTAL EMERGENCIES
From a toothache to a broken jaw, you can take steps to lessen the pain and damage while you seek treatment. First, it is important to remain calm and contact your dentist as soon as possible. Keep a copy of your dentist’s after hour and daytime phone numbers in a convenient place or stored on your cell phone. Many dental emergencies can be handled over the phone and then followed up with a dental appointment in the next few days. Some emergencies need immediate attention by your dentist or at an emergency room.
Toothache
A toothache is usually the result of an infection from tooth decay or inflamed gums. Rinse your mouth with warm water and gently use your toothbrush or dental floss to make sure there is no food impacted in or between teeth. The pain can usually be controlled with Ibuprofen and Tylenol. Placing an ice pack on your face over the area of pain will help. A bag of frozen peas works well for an ice pack and can be reused, but remember to mark the bag so you don’t eat the peas at a later date. Your dentist will usually prescribe antibiotics and schedule appropriate treatment. A toothache left untreated will worsen over time; the dental infection will spread becoming an abscess, affecting the jawbone and other teeth. A dentist should be seen as soon as possible to prevent possible spread of the infection.
Chipped Tooth
An injury resulting in a fracture to a tooth or teeth is a fairly common occurrence, especially during childhood. If the tooth is not sensitive, then make an appointment with your dentist to check and repair the chipped tooth. Watch for darkening of the tooth or a swelling in the gums, which are signs of nerve damage. Seek help immediately if the tooth is sensitive to touch or air.
Children or adults who engaged in contact sports such as soccer, basketball, football, or wrestling should wear a mouth guard for protection against injury to the mouth and teeth. Custom fitted mouth guards can be fabricated in the dental office, while regular mouth guards are available in sporting goods stores. Mouth guards are an inexpensive way to prevent tooth injuries.
Broken Jaw
Usually you will have pain and swelling in the joint area, ear or tongue. Often you will not be able to close your jaw or get your upper and lower teeth to align properly. Use an ice pack to control swelling and pain. Stabilize the jaw, using a small towel wrapped beneath the jaw and tied on top of the head [like in the old Three Stooges comedy films]. Immediately call your dentist or go a hospital emergency room. Usually you will be referred to an oral surgeon for jaw stabilization.
Knocked Out Tooth
When a permanent tooth is knocked out of the mouth, it is essential that treatment be sought immediately to insure the best possible chance of saving the tooth. The tooth needs to be reinserted within the first hour after the accident. On the other hand, a knocked out baby tooth should not be saved or placed back into the socket because it might damage the developing permanent tooth.
Here are some important steps to follow if a permanent tooth is knocked out of the mouth:
- Remain calm and bite on a clean cloth or gauze with pressure to control any bleeding.
- Find the tooth and pick up the tooth by the crown only, do not touch the root surface. A ligament surrounds the outside of the root and can be easily damaged.
- Rinse off any dirt gently with running water. Do not scrub the tooth.
- Gently try to reinsert the tooth into the socket and hold in place with firm pressure.
- If the tooth won’t go into the socket, put it in saliva inside the lip of the mouth or place in a glass of milk for transfer. Do not let the tooth dry out.
- Head to the dentist immediately.
Tooth That Is Pushed Out Of Place
Often times a tooth is pushed out of place but still remains in the boney socket from an injury. With a permanent tooth, it is important to place the tooth back into its original position. Gently push the tooth back into that position and hold it there. Biting can also help push the tooth into its original position. If seen soon, a dentist can numb the area and press the tooth back into position and then bond it into its original position until healing is completed. The sooner you see the dentist, the better chance of positioning the tooth correctly.
Last fall I saw a 13-year–old boy who had a bicycle accident and damaged his upper front teeth. One tooth was chipped which I repaired with a bonded filling. A second tooth was fracture into the nerve, so root canal therapy was completed with a large tooth-colored filling. A third front tooth was knocked down and back, so I press it back into position. All three teeth were temporarily bonded together, which held them in place while the bone and gums healed. Last month, I removed the bonding and smoothed the teeth, which are firm and look good. When he is 20, he will need permanent cosmetic crowns and veneers.
ENJOY LIFE AND KEEP SMILING!
George Malkemus has had a Family and Cosmetic Dental Practice in Rohnert Park for over 23 years at 2 Padre Parkway, Suite 200. Call 585-8595, or email info@ malkemusdds.com. Visit Dr. Malkemus’ Web site at http://www.malkemusdds.com
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