161 Thomas Johnson Dr., Suite 195 | Frederick, MD 21702 (301) 698-0044

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Dental Emergencies - Your Local Frederick, MD Dentist

Even though we try to avoid it, most of us will experience at least one dental emergency in our lifetime. This could be a knocked out tooth from a sports injury, a broken tooth, or a toothache caused by dental decay. Regardless of the type of emergency, you can rest assured knowing that your local Frederick, MD dentists are always here to help! We ask that you contact us at Monocacy Valley Dental as soon as you determine that you or your child has had a dental emergency. If you are unable to reach our office during a dental emergency, please dial 911.

Common Dental Emergencies

Our dental team understands that emergencies can happen - we want to equip you with the resources to treat any minor dental issue at home, and if it progresses, we will be there to administer professional treatment.

  • Toothache: Rinse your mouth out with warm water and try flossing around the area to remove any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. We recommend taking acetaminophen to temporarily relieve the discomfort they feel. Please confirm the correct dosage for your age, height, and weight. To control any facial swelling you may have, place a cold compress on the area. If the pain persists for more than one day, please contact us.
  • Cut or Bitten Lip, Tongue or Cheek: You can apply a cold pack to any bruised area. To control bleeding, apply firm, gentle pressure with sterile gauze or a clean cloth. If the bleeding won’t stop with pressure, or if it continues longer than 15 minutes, head to the nearest emergency room.
  • Broken Tooth: Try to recover any of the broken tooth fragments of your tooth/teeth. Rinse the area with warm water, then apply a cold compress to your face over the area that was injured. Then call our Frederick, MD dentist right away for an emergency appointment.
  • Knocked Out Permanent Tooth: Recover the tooth by holding it by the top (crown) and not the root. You should rinse the tooth off but don’t clean or handle it more than necessary. Try to place the tooth back into your socket, and hold it in place using a piece of gauze or clean cloth. If you cannot reinsert the tooth, put it in a small container with milk or water. Time is of the essence when a tooth is knocked out, so contact us immediately to see our emergency dentist.
  • Possible Broken Jaw: Tie the mouth closed with a towel, tie or handkerchief to stabilize the jaw and then immediately seek treatment at the nearest emergency room.
  • Bleeding After a Primary Tooth Comes Out: Place a folded piece of gauze tightly over the bleeding area and bite down for 15 minutes. If the bleeding persists, call us for further instructions.
  • Cold Sores & Canker Sores: Over-the-counter canker sore medications can provide you with temporary relief. If the sore doesn’t go away after several days, contact our office.

Tips for Avoiding Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies are actually quite avoidable. At Monocacy Valley Dental, we recommend the following habits to ensure healthy, intact teeth:

  • Never use your teeth to open items or to rip/cut things. Use scissors instead.
  • Avoid chewing on hard candy, popcorn kernels, and ice to avoid damaging your teeth.
  • When playing sports, be sure to wear a protective mouth guard to help keep your mouth, teeth, and gums safe.
  • Brush your teeth after eating to prevent the buildup of cavity-causing bacteria that can cause toothaches.

Contact Your Frederick, MD Emergency Dentist Today!

If you experience a dental emergency, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Monocacy Valley Dental. You can call our office during normal business hours at (301) 698-0044, or if you cannot reach our office during an emergency, please call 911. We will ensure your dental emergency is handled and your teeth are good as new!