Quick actions for common injuries
Summer in Marlborough means pickup soccer, softball at Ward Park, and plenty of outdoor fun. Knowing what to do in the first few minutes can make all the difference.
1) Knocked-out (avulsed) tooth
- Handle the tooth by the crown only—avoid touching the root.
- If visibly dirty, gently rinse with milk or saline. Do not scrub.
- Try to reinsert into the socket with gentle pressure and bite on clean gauze.
- If reinsertion isn’t possible, place the tooth in milk or an <img src="/brand/doctor-creds/ada-logo.svg" alt="ADA" class="h-5 w-auto inline-block align-middle mx-1" />-approved saving solution. Call us immediately.
2) Chipped or fractured tooth
- Rinse your mouth with warm water; save any fragments.
- Apply a cold compress to reduce swelling.
- Avoid chewing on the injured side and call for an evaluation—small fractures can worsen if ignored.
3) Soft-tissue cuts
- Apply pressure with clean gauze for 10–15 minutes.
- Rinse gently with saline. If bleeding doesn’t slow or the cut is deep, seek urgent care.
When to call right away
- Uncontrolled bleeding after 10 minutes of pressure
- Severe pain, visible tooth displacement, or facial swelling
- Injury to a permanent tooth in a child or adult
Tip: Athletic mouthguards significantly lower the risk of injury. Ask us about custom guards for local league athletes.
Prevention for local athletes
- Wear a well-fitted mouthguard during contact sports and practices at Marlborough High and local clubs.
- Hydrate and avoid overly hard snacks (ice, unpopped kernels) that can crack teeth.
- Schedule a quick exam if soreness or bite changes persist after a hit.
Ready when you need us—same-day options are often available. Contact us and we’ll help you get back in the game.
