Common Dental Injuries

Toothache

Refers to localised or widespread pain around the teeth and jaws which can be caused by tooth decay, gum disease, infection, or trauma. Persistent or intense tooth pain should not be ignored, as it may indicate a serious problem requiring prompt treatment.

Temporary First Aid: You should see a dentist as soon as possible. However, if you are unable to see one right away, then you may initially mitigate the symptoms by taking over-the-counter pain medications, and applying a cold compress to the outside of the mouth to reduce swelling.

Knocked-out Tooth

This is often a result from trauma such as a sports injury. A knocked-out tooth requires immediate dental care to attempt re-implantation.

Temporary First Aid: Before you arrive at the dentist, you should handle the tooth carefully by the crown, avoiding contact with the root. Rinse the tooth gently with saline solution if dirty, but do not scrub or remove any attached tissue fragments. You may attempt to reinsert the tooth into its socket, holding it in place with a clean cloth or gauze. If reinsertion is not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or saliva (not water), or in a tooth preservation kit specifically designed for this purpose.

Broken Braces/Wires

This can result from trauma, eating hard or sticky foods, or from normal wear and tear. Broken braces or wires may cause discomfort, irritation or injury to mouth tissues, and it can potentially affect teeth alignment or treatment.

Temporary First Aid: You should see a dentist promptly for proper management. In the meantime, however, you may try to stabilise the loose or broken component. If a wire is sticking out and causing irritation, use a blunt item to gently push it into a more comfortable position. If this is not possible, cover the end of the wire with dental wax, a small cotton ball, or a piece of gauze to protect the inside of the mouth from being scratched or irritated.

Cracked or Fractured Tooth

This causes pain and sensitivity, especially when chewing. If not treated, it can lead to further damage and infection.

Temporary First Aid: If you’ve cracked your tooth, make sure to see a dentist as soon as possible. In the meantime, however, you may rinse your mouth with warm water. If swelling occurs, apply a cold compress to the outside of the mouth. Avoid chewing on the affected tooth to prevent further damage. Over-the-counter pain medication may be required to temporarily relieve the pain.

Lost Filling or Crown

When a tooth filling or crown is lost, the tooth becomes exposed which may cause pain, sensitivity, and potential damage. This can result from decay, trauma, or wear and tear.

Temporary First Aid: Using temporary dental cement available at pharmacies can cover the exposed area until a dentist can be seen. Make sure to avoid chewing on the affected tooth. Then, see a dentist as soon as you can to assess the situation properly.

Abscess

A dental abscess is a pus-filled sac caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms include severe throbbing pain, swelling, and sometimes fever.

Temporary First Aid: This can be very painful, so you should see a dentist immediately. Before you get there, however, you may rinse your mouth with warm salt water to reduce pain and draw out pus. Take over-the-counter pain relievers as needed. Stick to a soft diet to avoid pressure on the area, and do not try to drain the abscess yourself.

As dental injuries can be serious, symptoms requiring immediate attention include:

• Intense or persistent tooth pain that does not respond to over-the-counter pain medication
• Swelling of the face, gums, or jaw
• Uncontrolled bleeding from the gums and mouth
• Injuries to the teeth, mouth, or jaw from accidents or falls
• Difficulty swallowing or breathing along with oral pain or swelling

Initial Steps in a Dental Emergency

Prompt action is crucial to prevent further damage in a dental emergency. Below are some guidelines:

• Assess the Situation: Evaluate the severity of the dental problem, which may include severe toothaches, broken or knocked-out teeth, or objects lodged between teeth.
• Contact a Dentist: Immediately call the dentist for guidance and arrange an emergency appointment. Provide clear details about the condition for proper advice.
• Control the Bleeding: If there is bleeding, rinse the mouth with warm water and apply gentle pressure to the affected area using a clean cloth or gauze to stop or lessen the bleeding.
• Reduce Swelling: Use a cold compress on the outside of the mouth or cheek near the affected area to reduce swelling and alleviate pain.
• Manage Pain: Take over-the-counter pain to manage the pain and reduce inflammation.
• Seek Immediate Care: Immediate attention is necessary to prevent complications.

Accessing Emergency Dental Services in Singapore

There are several options available in order to access emergency dental services:

• Public Healthcare Options: Public hospitals and polyclinics often provide emergency dental services. The waiting time can vary based on the severity of the case and the facility’s caseload. Referrals to a public hospital's dental department may be necessary for complex cases or specialist care.
• Private Dental Clinics: Private dental clinics in Singapore also offer emergency services. To find these clinics, individuals can search online or ask for recommendations. Some clinics may provide after-hours care for emergencies. Patients should call ahead to check availability and enquire about any additional fees.

Prevention and Preparedness

To minimise the risk of dental emergencies, it is advised to maintain regular dental check-ups. These check-ups allow dentists to detect and treat conditions such as tooth decay and gum disease before they worsen.

Good oral hygiene practices, including brushing twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash, may reduce the likelihood of developing dental problems. For individuals involved in sports, wearing protective gear during activities can prevent dental injuries.

Also consider keeping a dental emergency kit and emergency dental contact number handy. An emergency dental kit should include the following items:

• A small container with a lid to store knocked-out teeth or dental pieces
• Over-the-counter pain medication such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen for pain relief
• Temporary dental cement to reattach a loose crown or filling temporarily
• Gauze pads used to control bleeding
• Cotton balls to apply pressure to a bleeding area or for cushioning
• Salt packets for preparing warm saltwater rinses, alleviating gum pain or infection
• Dental wax to cover sharp edges of broken braces or wires
• Orthodontic relief wax to temporarily reattach a loose bracket or wire
• Medical gloves for hygiene purposes