Summertime means baseball, and baseball means evenings at the ballpark watching your kids field grounders and chase down flies.

Unfortunately, it also means there is a risk of injury. Bumps and bruises are all part of the game, but every now and then, something worse happens.

Two players collide tracking a pop-up. A player misjudges a line drive, or an errant throw hits someone who wasn’t paying attention.

Sometimes those situations involve injuries to the face that cause teeth to break or fall out.

While we certainly don’t want this to happen to anyone, we would encourage you to call Denise DiBona, DDS, as soon as possible if it does. If you live in or near Red Bank, NJ, our dentists promise to make every effort to see you on the same day you or someone you love has a dental emergency.

The fastest way to reach us is by calling 732-945-5343.

Emergency Treatments

The kind of treatment you need will vary depending on the nature of your emergency, but we have the equipment, knowledge, and skill to help.

For broken teeth, we may recommend a dental crown or a root canal. Either option can save a tooth that may be lost otherwise.

Root canals are also an option when you have an abscessed or infected tooth, either of which can become quite painful.

For missing teeth, we can replace the missing tooth using a dental implant and a dental crown or implants with a dental bridge. The solution will depend on how many of your teeth need to be replaced.

If we can see you shortly after a tooth is knocked loose, it may even be possible to place that tooth back into its socket.

Emergency Preparations

Somewhere in your home, your office, and maybe your vehicle, you have a first aid kit. This may contain band-aids, pain relievers, and other supplies.

Some of them will be helpful in emergency situations, but we also want to recommend a few additions for dental emergencies.

Here are items that may come in hand during a dental emergency:

▸ Pain relievers

When you get hit in the mouth or injury your teeth in a fall, it often does hurt. An over-the-counter pain reliever can provide relief until you are able to get to our office.

One thing to remember: You should never hold aspirin on the soft tissues of your mouth. This can cause burns, which only adds to the problem.

▸ Dental floss

Is some instances, the pain you are feeling may be because of a piece of food that is stuck between your teeth and gums. Dental floss may pry that particle free and fix the problem. If it doesn’t, then you will know to give us a call.

▸ Gauze

Bleeding is common if you lose or break a tooth. After rinsing your mouth, sometimes the bleeding continues. You can use gauze to apply pressure and soak up blood as needed.

Gauze also comes in handy with broken teeth, which can cut your lips, gums, or tongue. Covering that tooth with gauze or with dental wax can reduce your risk of an accidental cut.

▸ Dental wax

Since we mentioned it already, we wanted to include it on this list. In addition to covering broken teeth, this can be helpful if a wire breaks on a set of braces. The wax should be used to cover the exposed ends.

▸ Pencil eraser

Speaking of broken braces, you will want to press the wire flat against your teeth until you can have the braces fixed. Do not use your fingers. A pencil eraser is an effective tool for pushing the wire so you don’t have to worry about accidentally poking yourself.

▸  Gloves

Latex or vinyl gloves should be worn anytime you are treating a dental emergency, especially if you may need to put your hands or near someone else’s mouth.

Emergency Prevention

You can’t stop every emergency, but you can take steps that will reduce your risk.

Good oral care should include brushing, flossing, and routine cleanings and examinations, like what we offer at our Red Bank, NJ, dentist office. This reduces your risk of infections.

Wearing the right protective equipment, including athletic mouthguards, may prevent or minimize injuries suffered while playing high-impact sports and activities.

Make sure you are taking care of your teeth. Call Denise DiBona, DDS, at 732-945-5343 if you are having an emergency or need to schedule your next appointment. You can also reach us online with our easy-to-use contact form.