Dental Emergency After the Beach in San Clemente: What to Do Now

San Clemente, CA

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A day at the beach in San Clemente can quickly turn stressful if you chip a tooth, lose a filling, or take an elbow or board to the mouth. Sand, saltwater, and impact injuries can all make dental emergencies worse if they’re not treated quickly.

If you’ve experienced a dental emergency after the beach in San Clemente, here’s exactly what to do—and how an emergency dentist can help the same day.

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Step 1 — Get Out of the Water and Rinse Carefully

If your tooth was injured while swimming, surfing, or playing beach sports:

• Exit the water immediately

• Rinse your mouth gently with fresh water (not ocean water)

• Avoid scrubbing the tooth or gums

• Apply light pressure if there is bleeding

Saltwater and sand can irritate exposed nerves and increase infection risk.

Step 2 — Save Any Tooth or Restoration That Came Out

If a tooth, crown, or filling came loose:

• Retrieve it if possible

• Rinse gently (do not scrub)

• Store in milk or saliva

• Do not attempt to glue it back in place

Fast action gives your dentist the best chance to repair or reattach it.

Step 3 — Control Pain and Swelling

Until you’re seen by a dentist:

• Use a cold compress on the outside of the cheek

• Take ibuprofen or acetaminophen (avoid aspirin)

• Avoid chewing on the injured side

• Stick to soft foods

Even if pain subsides, underlying damage may still require treatment.

Step 4 — Common Beach-Related Dental Emergencies

Chipped Tooth

Impact from board or fall

Bonding or filling

Cracked Tooth

Trauma or pressure after impact

Temporary crown

Knocked-Out Tooth

Collision or wipeout

Time-sensitive reimplantation

Lost Crown or Filling

Sand or impact loosened restoration

Same-day recement

Step 5 — When to Call an Emergency Dentist vs the ER

Call an emergency dentist near San Clemente if:

• Tooth pain is severe or worsening

• A tooth is cracked, chipped, or loose

• A crown or filling fell out

• Swelling is localized to gums or jaw

Go to the ER if:

• You have trouble breathing or swallowing

• There is uncontrolled bleeding

• There is severe facial trauma

Emergency Dental Care Near San Clemente

At Kaban Dental Group, a dentist in San Juan Capistrano, we treat beach-related dental emergencies for patients from San Clemente, Dana Point, Mission Viejo, and South Orange County every week. We offer same-day evaluations and prompt treatment to relieve pain and protect your smile.

📞 Call (949) 496-5585

🗓️ Schedule online

👉 San Clemente patients can learn more here: San Clemente Dental Services