If your tooth has been hit and become loose, splinting the tooth to the adjacent teeth can help to stabilize the tooth and allow it to heal in the correct position. See a dentist as soon as possible to examine the loose tooth and have it splinted, if necessary. In the case that a tooth has been completely knocked-out of its socket, collect the tooth or pieces of tooth and place them in an isotonic solution (a liquid that has about the same salt level as saliva or blood). At some sporting events or schools, a container of isotonic solution may be part of a first aid kit (such as the Save-A-Tooth system). If this is not available, use a cup of milk, or have the person spit into a plastic bag and keep the tooth in the saliva while en route to the dentist or emergency room. Do not touch or clean the surface of the tooth root as this will help to preserve it. Keep in mind that the tooth will need to be reattached within about an hour if it is to be a successful reattachment; the tooth can only survive outside the mouth for a limited period of time. If the knocked-out tooth is a baby tooth, it is usually not re-implanted. If you feel that your tooth has had a significant bump but has not been knocked-out or loosened, it is still a good idea to see your dentist, as it is possible that the tooth nerve has been damaged. Signs of a damaged nerve may not show up for a few months, at which time the tooth may become discolored, and/or the associated gum area may become sore and swollen. Having an examination by a dentist at the time of the tooth trauma can help to determine the long-term prognosis for the tooth.

If you are experiencing swelling and possible infection in your mouth, you should seek attention immediately. There are numerous causes of infections in the mouth, and a number of tests will be required for your dentist to determine the source of the problem. Although rare, there can be some extremely serious consequences of untreated oral infections. You are best advised to see your dentist as soon as possible if you have swelling in your mouth.

A severe pain in your tooth is an indication that you should see your dentist as soon as possible, particularly if the pain suddenly appears or if it lingers over a long period. Often it can be difficult to determine which tooth is the source of the pain as the pain may be “referred pain”, causing the discomfort to be felt in nearby teeth, the lower face or jaw, or even near the ear on the side where the damaged tooth is located. In addition, oral pain may be caused by the gums, the jaws or temporalmandibular joint, the maxillary sinuses, the ear canal or the nerves that conduct the signal from the tooth to the brain. In the case of severe tooth pain, an examination and radiographs (x-rays) will be needed to determine the source of the pain, if it is indeed a tooth. Depending on the problem, a filling, root canal treatment or extraction may be necessary.

The most common cause of bleeding and swollen gums is some level of gum disease caused by the build-up of plaque bacteria and hardened calculus below the gum line. Mouth bacteria are constantly irritating to the gums and cause swelling of the gums as part of an immune response by the body if the bacteria are not sufficiently cleaned away. Over the long term, irritated gums can progress and lead to loss of the bone that supports the teeth (known as periodontitis). Eventually, tooth loss can result from untreated gum disease. Although bleeding gums usually are not a dental emergency, it depends on how many areas are bleeding and how much. If you are concerned, come and see us. Generally, having your teeth professionally cleaned bi-annually and keeping up regular brushing and flossing at home is a good way to keep your gums healthy and prevent gum disease.