disaster 5th 1108_5th ed 2011 - Homeland Security and Emergency ...

What are YOU gonna do about…
TOOTH INJURIES
Millions of tooth injuries happen every year - many from sports injuries
or accidents, but also from chomping down on hard objects.
Things to watch for…
Tooth or teeth (or pieces if chipped)
Object caught between teeth or stuck in gum
Redness, swelling or bleeding
What to do…
• Get to a dentist as quickly as possible.
If a permanent tooth is knocked out:
• Hold tooth by the crown or sides (not the root) and, if
dirty, gently rinse with milk or water (but don’t scrub it).
• If possible, gently insert tooth back into socket then hold
in place or carefully bite down on gauze or cloth. If you
can’t get tooth back in socket, put it in milk (or water).
• Get medical attention immediately since many permanent
teeth can be saved if replaced within 15-30 minutes!
If tooth is chipped, cracked or broken:
• Rinse damaged area with warm water.
• Apply a cold compress on area to reduce swelling.
• Call your dentist as soon as possible.
Things you should NOT do…
• DO NOT touch, scrub or hold the root or ligaments.
• DO NOT use teeth to open bottles or tear things and avoid
chewing hard candy, ice, etc.
• DO NOT leave a knocked out tooth exposed to air or it
will dry out - put it in milk (or water as a last resort!)
Things you SHOULD do…
• Wear a mouth guard and protective gear when playing
sports and always wear your seat belt when in a vehicle.
• When a tooth injury occurs, go see a dentist.
• Practice good dental habits - brush & floss daily and rinse
toothbrush with hydrogen peroxide weekly to kill germs.
208 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325