Bleeding gums may be a symptom of periodontal disease, which is a bacterial gum and tissue infection. Poor brushing and flossing habits and eating sugary foods may contribute to a build-up of tartar and plaque causing the disease, and medical conditions such diabetes can be factors in its development. Untreated, periodontal disease or gingivitis may eventually worsen and require dental surgery. Of course, its best to take good care of your oral health now, before it progresses to that point.
Causes of Emergencies
- Accidents, injuries, biting hard food or other objects causing broken or loose teeth
- Loose/broken crowns
- Cavities
- Infection from gum disease can cause gums to become swollen and painful.
What to do in case of emergencies
If your tooth is knocked out, a dentist may be able to re-implant it if you are able to get attention quickly, preferably within an hour.
- Do not touch the roots of the tooth.
- Rinse your mouth with warm water.
- Lightly rinse the tooth, but do not fully clean it.
- If possible, put the tooth back in its socket until you reach your dentist.
- If not, cover the tooth (or whatever pieces of the tooth you can find) with saliva or whole milk in a small container and bring it with you to the dentist.
- If a crown falls off, you can try to temporarily replace it by inserting a small amount of petroleum jelly into the crown to create suction before putting it back over your tooth.
How to Prevent Emergencies
- Always wear a mouth guard when playing contact sports.
- Do not chew hard objects such as ice or popcorn kernels.
- If you grind or clench your teeth, wear a mouth guard at night.
- Always brush and floss regularly.
- Visit your dentist regularly to detect problems before they become severe.
If you are in or around the Franklin Square areaplease call: (516) 565-3435. And, if you are in or around the Syosset area please call us at: (516) 348-2000.