Holi, the most awaited festival of colors ! The festival which spreads the message of unity, where people mingled in colors cannot be differentiated.
It is celebrated with happiness and joy with loved one often with color application. It also involves the use of water slashers, water-guns and balloons which can be hazardous at times. Hence it is necessary to take precaution and safety measure on this festival.
Here are a few dental tips for a precautions , joyous and safer Holi
In case of
Cracked tooth:
Clean the area gently and use a clean cotton or gauze to holdup. Apply cold compression to reduce the swelling. Avoid the sharp edges of the tooth to contact lips, tongue or cheeks. See a dentist. If bleeding does not stop rush to the hospital.
Knocked out tooth:
Hold the tooth by its crown, rinse the root if it is dirty. DO NOT scrub the tooth to remove the tissues fragments.Do not spit or rinse.If possible hold the tooth in the socket, if not possible keep it in a cup of cold milk or hold it under the tongue. Get to the dentist as quickly as possible and do not forget to take the tooth with you.
Removable appliances:
In case you are using a removable appliance like a retainer or dentures, keep them home. This will prevent injury, breakage, loss or staining of the appliance.If you are having braces wear a mouthguard or avoid any contact with the face as it may injure the inner side of cheeks, lips, tongue or cause breakage of the brackets.
Wear a retainer:
In case u have cosmetic filling or teeth whitening done wear a clear retainer to avoid staining of teeth.Get Dental crowns done to prevent fracturing and staining of fragile teeth. Try to save yourself off from all possible attacks on the face. In case your such attempts fail, keep your eyes and lips tightly shut if you are attacked on your face.
Have milk:
In case you ingest the toxic colors rinse your mouth immediately, have lots of water.If its too late have a glass of cold milk. Keep handy painkillers and anti-allergic tablets. Safest way to reduce chances of damage to your teeth, lips, cheeks and tongue is by using a customized mouthguard.