Dentist helps families in Brampton, ON prepare for dental emergencies

Strong teeth are a valuable asset. They contribute to your attractive appearance, clear communication, enjoyment of foods, and digestion. For families throughout the Brampton, ON area Dr. Rina Kotecha is the dentist they trust to prevent and handle dental emergencies.

Prevention: The best preparation

Most dental emergencies fall into two categories.

A toothache so severe that it requires an emergency dental appointment is often the result of an abscess. When a tooth has a deep area of untreated decay, a crack, or breakage, bacteria infiltrate the pulp chamber. Infection ensues, building pressure in the tooth and inflaming the nerve.

An estimated 22,000 dental injuries occur each year in children under the age of 18. Most are related to sports or outdoor activities. Accidents may break or fracture a tooth (sometimes several), damage orthodontic appliances, injure soft tissues, and possibly contribute to concussion.

These conditions are treatable with emergency dental care, but wouldn’t you rather avoid them with a few simple preventive measures?

Preventing dental emergencies

The circumstances described above can usually be avoided with a three step approach:

1. Home hygiene. Using proper technique, brush after meals and floss before bedtime. You’ll eliminate much of the harmful bacteria that lead to tooth decay and gum disease.
2. Regular dental examinations. With early detection, Dr. Rina can treat tooth decay and fractures before they become “code red.” That saves you discomfort, inconvenience, and expense.
3. Mouthguard. Wear a comfortable, custom fit mouthguard when participating in any activity that could involve a fall, a blow to the head or face, or cause your jaws to snap shut suddenly.

Preparing a dental emergency kit

Despite your best efforts a dental emergency can occur – especially with children. Be prepared with a dental emergency kit for home and travel.

• Start with a small plastic container with a tight fitting lid.
• Print your name, Dr. Rina’s name, and the Dentistry on 10 telephone number ((905) 455-9262) on two adhesive labels. Place one on the inside of the container and one on the outside of the lid.
• Include a few acetaminophen tablets (in their original bottle) for pain relief. Do not use ibuprofen or aspirin, which may increase bleeding.
• Add a small roll of sterile gauze. Biting gently on a pad of gauze reduces bleeding.
• Also include a clean handkerchief in a small resealable plastic bag. If part of a tooth, restoration, or orthodontic appliance is broken off, these items will help you get it to Dr. Rina intact. Remember that if a whole tooth is knocked out, it should be gently placed back into the socket, between cheek and gum, or in a cup or milk or salt water to maintain pH balance until you get to the dentist.

Dr. Rina hopes you never experience a dental emergency, but if you do, you can count on Dentistry on 10 for the help you need NOW.