If you had a loose tooth as a child, it might’ve been something exciting. A visit from the tooth fairy followed suit, and then you had some money in your pocket! However, this may not be the case now that you’re older. You might be worried about your oral health if it’s an adult structure, but don’t fret! Here’s a simple guide on what you should do until you visit your emergency dentist in Rocky River.
1.) Leave the Tooth Be
When you were younger, you might’ve played with your loose tooth, but this is a major no-no for an adult one. Not only that, but don’t try to extract it or put a splint on it yourself. All of these can lead to more problems down the line or cause discomfort. Instead, just leave the structure where it is. Let it be, and you can avoid making the issue any worse.
2.) Clean Your Mouth Gently
You should take a minute to clean out any bacteria and debris in your mouth, but you should make sure you don’t wiggle your tooth too much in the process. You don’t want to brush or floss, but rather rinse with warm water. Keep the swishing gentle and avoid being too aggressive or vigorous about it. That way, you are able to remove any particles around the structure without causing problems.
3.) Avoid Eating Certain Foods
While you should be visiting your dentist right away, there is a chance you might get hungry in the meantime. You should make sure you don’t eat anything hard, chewy, or sticky. These types of foods can pull at the structure, cause damage, or lead to discomfort. Stick to gentle options and chew on the opposite side of your mouth.
How Will My Dentist Handle a Loose Tooth?
Once you visit your provider, they will get to work doing their best to save your loose tooth. They will do an oral examination and see whether they will be able to attach a splint to it. This will help keep the structure in place while it heals, allowing the bone and gum tissue to reattach to it.
If it’s unsalvageable due to something like severe damage, then having it removed and replaced can benefit your smile in the long run. In some cases, gum disease can be the cause, so you may get a deep cleaning to get rid of the issue. In the end, your dentist is here to give you the worry-free smile you deserve.
About the Author
At Rocky River Dental, you benefit from a compassionate team of dentists who look after you and your oral health. We are dedicated to helping the local community get the stronger grins they deserve, especially during dental emergencies. By offering same-day urgent visits, we can get you the treatment you need to get relief from the stressful situation you’re in. If you have a loose tooth, the fastest way to schedule an appointment is by calling our office at (440) 331-3211.