Your teeth are meant to last a lifetime. They can, however, be vulnerable to nicks,
chips and strains. To protect your teeth from damage and injury, take these
precautions:
Don't chew ice, pens, or pencils.
Don't use your teeth to open paper clips or
otherwise function as tools.
If you smoke a pipe, don't bite down on the
stem.
If you grind your teeth at night, ask your
dentist if you should be fitted for a bite plate to prevent tooth grinding.
If you play contact sports like football or
hockey, wear a protective mouth guard.
Always wear a seat belt when riding in a
car.
Avoid sucking on lemons or chewing aspirin
or vitamin C tablets. The acid wears away tooth enamel.
If a tooth does accidentally get knocked out, go to the dentist as soon as possible. Your dentist may be able to successfully put it back in. If this can be done within about a half an hour, there is a possibility that the interior pulp will survive. Even up to 6 hours, the outer tissue of the tooth may survive and allow successful reattachment. There is little chance that the tooth can be put back in 24 hours after it has been knocked out. It is important to keep the tooth moist until you get to the dentist.
| Has 1 or more teeth been broken or knocked out? {Note: See dentist as soon as possible. This is a dental emergency.}  |
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For a Broken Tooth:
To reduce swelling, apply a cold
compress to the area.
Save any broken tooth fragments and take
them to the dentist.
If Your Tooth has been Knocked Out:
Rinse the tooth with clear water.
If possible (and if you're alert), gently
put it back in the socket or hold it under your tongue.
Otherwise, put the tooth in a glass of milk
or a wet cloth.
If the gum is bleeding, hold a gauze pad, a
clean handkerchief, or tissue tightly in place over the wound.
Try to get to a dentist within 30 minutes
of the accident.
HEALTH AT HOME - Your Complete Guide to Symptoms, Solutions, and Self-Care © 1999 by Don R. Powell. American Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Date updated 04/21/99