Temporary At-Home Remedies for Dental Emergencies

Did you or someone in your family lose or chip a tooth? Did someone injure his or her jaw or have a severe toothache? Stay calm and call Gilbert Fernandez, DDS, Inc. in Albuquerque, New Mexico at 505-898-8063 immediately. In the short interim between your call and our prompt professional attention:

Chipped Teeth

Rinse out any teeth fragments with warm water. The largest pieces are best preserved in a cold glass of water or milk, which you can later bring to Dr. Gilbert Fernandez. In the meantime, apply a cold compress to the cheek to prevent or reduce swelling.

Loose or Missing Teeth

Cold water will rinse the mouth of any blood. Avoid moving the tooth if it is loose; a clean tissue or towel will hold a loose tooth in place. If the tooth is completely dislodged from the gums, place it in a glass of cold water or milk to preserve it for your dental appointment. Prepare an ice pack to lay against the cheek.

Toothache

A teaspoon of salt mixed with a cup of tap water should be gargled over the sink. The afflicted person can take over-the-counter anti-inflammatory (ibuprofen, naproxen or aspirin, for example), an oral anesthetic, a cold ice pack to the cheek, or a combination of these remedies to provide pain relief and reduce swelling.

Fractured Jaw

This injury is probably best addressed in the ER or with an oral surgeon. Meanwhile, rinse with water to remove blood. Stay comfortable in a reclined chair or bed and keep the jaw very still.

Gilbert Fernandez, DDS, Inc. recognizes the concern and urgency of this situation. Call us at 505-898-8063 to receive fast, first-class dental relief.