Dental trauma can happen suddenlyduring a fall, sports injury, car accident, or even from biting into hard food. Whether it results in a chipped tooth, bleeding gums, or a tooth being knocked out, what you do in the minutes and hours following the incident can determine whether the damage becomes temporary or permanent. At McLevin Dental Clinic, we understand that knowing how to respond effectively can make all the difference.
In this blog, well guide you through how to prevent further damage after a dental injury, minimize complications, and protect your teeth until professional treatment is available.
Types of Dental Trauma That Require Caution
Before diving into protective steps, its helpful to recognize what qualifies as dental trauma. Common examples include:
Chipped, cracked, or broken teeth
Knocked-out (avulsed) teeth
Loosened (luxated) teeth
Tooth pushed inward (intruded) or outward (extruded)
Injuries to lips, gums, or tongue
Fractured jaw or facial bones
Each injury has its own risks, but they all have one thing in common: they require care and caution to prevent worsening damage before seeing a dentist.
Immediate Steps to Prevent Further Damage After a Dental Injury
1. Avoid Touching or Wiggling the Injured Tooth
If a tooth feels loose, resist the urge to touch or move it with your fingers or tongue. Unnecessary movement can sever the ligaments holding the tooth in place and reduce the chances of saving it. Stabilize your mouth as much as possible until you see a dentist.
2. Protect the Area from Additional Trauma
Dont eat, chew, or speak excessively if youve injured your mouth. Eating solid foods, clenching your jaw, or brushing aggressively can worsen the trauma. Stick to a soft diet and minimize talking until the area has been professionally evaluated.
3. Apply a Cold Compress to Limit Swelling
A cold compress on the outside of the cheek can help reduce inflammation and minimize bruising, especially for injuries involving blunt-force trauma or swelling. Use it for 1520 minutes at a time, and never apply ice directly to the skin.
4. Control Bleeding Carefully
If youre experiencing bleeding gums or cuts inside the mouth, gently bite down on sterile gauze or a clean cloth. Avoid pressing on a damaged tooth or gum line. Replace the gauze as needed and keep your head elevated to minimize blood flow to the area.
5. Rinse Gently with Salt Water
To keep the injured area clean and reduce the risk of infection, rinse your mouth with warm salt water. Avoid using mouthwash or any alcohol-based rinses, which can irritate soft tissues.
6. Store Any Tooth Fragments Properly
If a tooth has broken or been completely knocked out, locate the fragment or tooth immediately. Handle it by the crown (top), not the root. Rinse it gently with saline or milknot waterand place it in a container of milk, saline solution, or the persons saliva. Bring it to the dental office as soon as possible.
7. Avoid Heat and Aspirin
Do not apply heat to the injured area, as this can worsen inflammation and accelerate the spread of infection. Also, avoid placing aspirin directly on the gumsthis outdated method can burn tissue and cause more harm than good.
What Not to Do After Dental Trauma
Do not delay dental treatmentwhat may seem minor can escalate quickly
Do not self-medicate heavily or ignore persistent pain
Dont force a loose or misaligned tooth back into place
Avoid eating hard, crunchy, or hot foods
Dont use over-the-counter adhesives or home repair kits on your teeth
Attempting to wait it out or use DIY fixes can lead to infections, tooth loss, or long-term dental complications.
When to Seek Emergency Dental Care
Call McLevin Dental Clinic immediately if you experience:
Severe pain that doesnt subside with medication
A knocked-out tooth (especially a permanent one)
Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
Pus, fever, or signs of infection
A loose, misaligned, or pushed-in tooth
Bleeding that doesnt stop after 1015 minutes of pressure
We provide emergency dental care in Scarborough with same-day appointments and treatment plans that focus on comfort, restoration, and long-term success.
Long-Term Damage Prevention and Healing
Even after the initial trauma has been treated, follow these best practices to protect your healing teeth:
Follow your dentists instructions carefully regarding medication and oral hygiene
Avoid contact sports or high-impact activity until your mouth has fully healed
Attend follow-up appointments to monitor healing, especially if root damage was involved
Use a custom mouthguard for future sports or high-risk activities to prevent reinjury
Trust McLevin Dental Clinic After a Dental Emergency
At McLevin Dental Clinic, we believe in acting fast and treating with care. Dental trauma can be alarming, but you dont have to face it alone. Whether its a minor chip or a knocked-out tooth, our team provides comprehensive emergency dental services designed to protect your smile and prevent further damage.