Fishing, Boating, and Knocked-Out Teeth: Oh My!
If you spend time on the water around Sneads Ferry, Topsail Beach, or Holly Ridge, you already know that accidents happen fast. A dock slip, a hard bounce in rough surf, a fishing hook that goes somewhere it shouldn’t—the coast is beautiful, but it’s not exactly a controlled environment. Dental emergencies can happen anywhere, but on the water, you can feel stranded and anxious about making it back to shore.
Surf City Dental is here to change that. By following advice from this blog and coming prepared for all kinds of emergencies, you can enjoy more stress-free sailing, fishing, swimming, and more. If you encounter a dental emergency at the beach and need advice or an appointment fast, call Dr. Matthew Parr and the rest of our team of dentists in Hampstead at (910) 329-0298.
The Most Common On-the-Water Dental Injuries
Boating and fishing come with their own set of hazards. The most common dental injuries we see from water-related accidents include:
- Knocked-out teeth (avulsion): Slips on wet decks and docks, or impacts from swinging booms, can dislodge a tooth completely. This is a true dental emergency.
- Cracked or fractured teeth: A bad fall or a hit from a cleat, rod, or tackle box can fracture a tooth. Sometimes the crack is visible. Sometimes you just feel it.
- Lacerations to the lips, tongue, or gums: Hooks and fishing line can cause soft tissue injuries that need professional attention, even if the teeth themselves look fine.
- Jaw injuries: A hard impact to the face can affect the jaw joint or surrounding bone, and symptoms are not always immediate.
What to Do If a Tooth Gets Knocked Out
Time matters more than almost anything else in this situation. A knocked-out tooth has the best chance of survival if it’s re-implanted within 30 to 60 minutes.
Here’s what to do:
- Pick the tooth up by the crown (the white part), not the root. Do not scrub or scrape it.
- If it’s dirty, gently rinse it with clean water for no more than 10 seconds. Do not use soap.
- If possible, place the tooth back in the socket and hold it there gently.
- If you can’t do that, store it in milk. Saliva is also safe for storing knocked-out teeth. Avoid wrapping it in a dry paper towel, as that kills the root cells quickly.
- Call Surf City Dental at (910) 329-0298 immediately and head to our Hampstead office as fast as you can.
We offer same-day emergency appointments. The sooner you reach us, the better the outcome.
What to Do If a Tooth Cracks or Breaks
Rinse your mouth with warm water. If there’s swelling, apply a cold compress to the outside of your face. Avoid biting down on anything hard, especially on that side of your mouth. Save any broken pieces if you can find them, and call us right away.
A cracked tooth can worsen quickly. A fracture that looks minor on the surface may extend below the gumline.
On the Hook: Fishhook Injuries Near the Mouth
If a fishhook pierces the lip, tongue, or gum area, do not try to remove it yourself unless the barb is not embedded. Improperly removing a barbed hook can cause more damage than leaving it for a professional. Clean the area as best you can, avoid putting pressure on it, and seek care promptly.
A Note on Jaw Pain After an Impact
Jaw injuries don’t always announce themselves right away. If you took a hit to the face and notice difficulty opening your mouth, pain when chewing, or your bite feeling “off” in the days after, don’t wait it out. These are signs that something may need attention. TMJ issues can worsen without treatment.
Come Prepared: A Simple On-Board Dental Kit
You don’t need much. A basic kit for your boat or tackle bag could include:
- A small container with a lid (for storing a knocked-out tooth in milk or saliva)
- Dental wax or temporary filling material (available at most pharmacies)
- Gauze
- Ibuprofen (not aspirin, which can increase bleeding)
- The phone number for Surf City Dental: (910) 329-0298
That last one is the most important item on the list when you need an emergency dentist near the coast.
Your Emergency Dentist in Hampstead, NC
Surf City Dental is located in Hampstead, making us the go-to emergency dental office for patients coming in from Sneads Ferry, Topsail Beach, Holly Ridge, and the surrounding coastal communities. We know this area, we know our patients live active, outdoorsy lives, and we’re ready when things go sideways.
If you’re dealing with a dental emergency, call us at (910) 329-0298. We’ll get you in the same day. Don’t wait and don’t try to tough it out. Come see our coastal emergency dentist in Hampstead.
Whether you’re a lifelong commercial fisherman out of Sneads Ferry or a visitor spending the summer at Topsail, Surf City Dental is here to help you get back on the water with a healthy smile.