Dental Accidents (And What to Do If It Happens to You)

Have you noticed how most athletes (boxers, football players, etc.) wear mouthguards for every game? This protective gear helps prevent jaw and tooth injuries. In fact, the American Association of Orthodontists highly recommends wearing one when engaging in physical sports like boxing, basketball, football, wrestling and other similar activities. Think of it as armor and a cushion for your teeth, protecting them from an incoming ball, another object or a person.

However, mouthguards are not your typical fashion accessory that you can always wear to school, the office or party. Unprotected, your teeth are at risk of injury at any moment notice. That could be broken, loosened or knocked out at the point of impact.

Accidents happen. But what you do afterward is what really matters. If you slip on the floor, fall off a bike or bump the wall and hit your mouth, chances are you could injure your jaw and teeth. Here are a couple of tips on dealing with the unfortunate event.

If your tooth broke, was chipped or loosened, put an ice pack on the injured area. Save the chipped tooth fragment for possible reattachment, or gently attempt to push a loosened tooth back into its socket, if feasible.

If you knocked out your tooth, seek professional help immediately. Timely dental attention could greatly improve your tooth's chances for reattachment. Still, you can attempt to restore it in its socket until professional help arrives. If not possible, place the tooth in your mouth (saliva helps), in a glass of milk or in sterile saline solutionbut never in water.

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Bernard L. Hoffman, III, DDS

General, Implant and Restorative Dentistry

My father was a dentist and I enjoyed the lifestyle that dentistry provided me as a child. I enjoy the fact that dentistry is such a challenge...

Ana Paula Hoffman, DDS, MSc, PhD

General, Children and Cosmetic Dentistry

I always liked the medical field, but I didn't want to be a physician. Dentistry was the right profession, where I could help patients, providing them...

Patient Reviews

I wished I had tried this dentist office sooner. Everyone there are very professional and knowledgeable. I was looking for a new dentist and I found Dr. Ana and I could not be more satisfied. My confidence in her was well placed. I would hope that every dentist was this good. I had a problem with my teeth for awhile. Two others dentists did not mention it to me but she was able to see what my problem was right away. It is now fixed and I couldn’t be more pleased with the work she did.

Dr. Ana is a fabulous dentist. Recently I had extensive dental work on my front teeth. Prior to the start of work she took an impression and made a temporary piece that looked natural. I am extremely happy with the final result. She is meticulous and caring, a great combination. The office staff is professional and courteous. I have been a patient at Pennington Family Dentistry for over 30 years.

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Professional friendly staff. Always feel comfortable and welcomed here. Dr. Bernie treat patients with attentive care and respect. Michele is so helpful and kind. Charissa is the best hygienist and her injections are the least painful ever.

I have been a patient of Pennington Family Dentistry for over 40 years and cannot say enough complimentary things about the professionalism of the entire staff. From the front desk to the hygienist to the doctors, each delivers superb and comfortable care. I highly recommend PFD to all those who seek dental care.

My wife and I have each visited PFD several times now, and we both have been consistently impressed with each of the staff, who have all been very friendly, knowledgeable and thorough.

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