DISASTER! - Homeland Security and Emergency Management ...

What are YOU gonna do about…TOOTH INJURIES?Millions of tooth injuries happen every year - many from sports injuriesor 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 gumRedness, swelling or bleedingWhat 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, ifdirty, gently rinse with milk or water (but don’t scrub it).• If possible, gently insert tooth back into socket then holdin place or carefully bite down on gauze or cloth. If youcan’t get tooth back in socket, put it in milk (or water).• Get medical attention immediately since many permanentteeth 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 avoidchewing hard candy, ice, etc.• DO NOT leave a knocked out tooth exposed to air or itwill dry out - put it in milk (or water as a last resort!)Things you SHOULD do…• Wear a mouth guard and protective gear when playingsports 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 rinsetoothbrush with hydrogen peroxide weekly to kill germs.208 www.itsadisaster.net or call 1-888-999-4325