Summertime Dental Emergencies

The days are suddenly longer and the sun is definitely hotter.  Summer has arrived, and that means outdoor activities, sports, barbeques and fireworks.  In all the excitement surrounding summer, Dr. Burroughs often sees an increase in dental injuries and emergency dental appointments during this time of year.  As we all get ready for our July 4^th Celebrations, there are a few things to keep in mind when it comes to dental safety and first aid.

Most dental injuries occur as a result of sports accidents and car accidents.  The best way to protect your teeth from a stray baseball is to wear a sports mouth guard.  Some mouth guards are available in sporting goods stores, and Dr. Burroughs can make you one with a perfect fit.  

If you suffer a dental injury, such as a broken tooth or even a possible broken jaw, the recommended first aid should be to apply a cold compress for control of swelling.  Over the counter pain relievers are also recommended as needed.  Contact Dr. Burroughs right away to request an emergency dental appointment.

Knocking out a tooth can be very scary.  If you or your child knocks out a tooth, try to find it right away.  Rinse off any dirt very carefully with clean water.  Be careful not to remove any tissue fragments from the surface of the tooth.  The best thing you can do is place the tooth back into the socket.  If this is not possible, place the tooth into a glass of milk.  It is very important to see Dr. Burroughs immediately after the accident in order to increase the success of tooth re-implantation.  

While we at Forest Lane Dental are concerned about dental safety this summer, we like to have a little fun, too!  Just for fun, we compiled a few interesting dental care tips for your enjoyment.  

·         Strawberries, which are only available in summer, can whiten your teeth and brighten your smile!  Mash a strawberry and rub it on the surface of your teeth.  Rinse well and floss to remove pulp and seeds. 

·         Vitamin C is abundant in summertime because of plentiful fruits and fresh produce.  Did you know that vitamin-C is great for your teeth, too?

·         All that barbeque can lead to bad breath!  To fight it, drink lots of water to keep your mouth hydrated and try chewing on a sprig of fresh parsley to naturally calm bad breath. 

As we get into full swing this summer, we at Forest Lane Dental Care of Dallas wish all of our patients and friends a fun filled summer vacation.  Stay safe, have fun, and remember to brush!

Sources:  ADA, Dr. Oz (strawberries for teeth whitening), natural home remedies.com (bad breath)