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In addition to preventative services to reduce the risk of cavities and gum disease, family dentists often treat dental traumas. Here’s what you should know about oral health emergencies and what you can do to prevent and rectify these issues. 

Understanding Common Dental Injuries

Causes

The most common dental injuries are related to unexpected accidents and sports. When playing contact sports such as basketball, soccer, or hockey, running into another player or coming into contact with balls and equipment can lead to chipped teeth, jaw pain, or a dislodged tooth. Individuals in car accidents or those who have taken a fall when climbing stairs or going about their day are also prone to dental trauma. 

Symptoms 

Symptoms indicating you have sustained a dental injury can include throbbing pain in the mouth or jaw, bleeding inside the mouth, cracked crowns, tooth chips, or broken and dislodged teeth. General discomfort or the feeling of loose teeth can also occur after sustaining trauma to the mouth and jaw. 

When to See Your Dentist

DentistAny of the situations and symptoms noted above are grounds for an emergency visit to your family dentist. As soon as the dental injury occurs, call your dental team and inform them of the situation so they can provide further instructions.

If a tooth has been knocked out completely, rinse it off with milk and attempt to place it back into the socket. If the tooth has been cracked or won’t go back into position, keep the tooth wet in milk or a sterile saline solution and bring it with you to your dental office. When swelling occurs, put an ice pack on your mouth and jaw for 15 minutes at a time until you can seek professional help. 

Prevention

While accidents are unpredictable, dentists strongly recommended wearing protective mouthguards when there is a high risk of sustaining a dental injury. Consider wearing a custom-fitted mouthguard when playing sports, rock climbing, skateboarding, jumping on a trampoline, or riding a motorcycle off-road.

 

If you’ve sustained a dental injury and you need an athletic mouthguard to prevent trauma in the future, Dental Clinic of Onalaska is your resource. Led by Dr. Mike Olsen and featuring two convenient locations, this family dentist has been providing comprehensive oral care since 1993. To schedule an appointment at the main clinic in La Crosse County, WI, call (608) 783-3341. Visit their website to learn more about their staff and services.

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