Everyone has experienced a dental emergency at some point. It’s unplanned and uncomfortable, and no one wants to go through it. However, being prepared is the best thing to do as these things can actually happen. You can’t just panic and not know what to do. You’re only making it worse.
In this article, we take a look at the most common dental emergencies – and how to deal with them. Understanding these situations and knowing how best to respond to them will help ensure your health and safety when a crisis arises.
Toothache
The most common type of dental emergency is a toothache, which can range from mild discomfort to severe pain. The cause can be anything from cavities to fractures, gum disease or tooth decay. If you are experiencing a toothache, it is essential to seek emergency dental services to diagnose the cause and provide relief.
In the meantime, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. You can also rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your face for temporary relief. It’s important not to put anything in your mouth, such as cotton swabs, toothpicks, or paperclips. This can further irritate the affected area and increase your risk of infection.
Objects Caught Between Teeth
While we’re all aware that it’s never a good idea to put anything in our mouths, objects sometimes find their way between the teeth. This situation can be risky depending on how big or pointy the object is. To prevent further accidents, it is therefore essential to take the right steps. You can’t just panic and try to remove the thing.
The best thing to do is to gently try to remove the object with dental floss or a water pick. While you can remove or detach some parts, you will still need to see a dentist to have the object completely removed. Leaving it in increases the chance of infection and further damage to the tooth.
It is also possible that there is a small object under the gum line that you cannot easily remove with dental floss or a water pick. So it is advisable to see your dentist as soon as possible. Thanks to their equipment and expertise, they can remove the item safely and damage-free.
Knocked out tooth
The thought of knocking out a tooth is frightening to most people. It is an emergency situation that requires an immediate response and proper care. If it happens to you, you need to act quickly if there is any hope of reimplanting the tooth.
The first thing to do when a tooth is knocked out is to locate it. If possible, pick it up by the crown and not the root. Gently rinse off any dirt or debris with milk or water. Avoid scrubbing or squeezing the tooth, as this can damage the tooth beyond repair. Then try to put the tooth back in its socket if you can without hurting yourself even more. If not, place the tooth in a cup of milk or water.
Then call your dentist immediately. Depending on the severity of the situation, you may be able to see your dentist within an hour. They will give you specific instructions on how to care for your tooth and what to do next.
Lost filling or crown
If you have lost a crown or filling, it is essential to prevent further damage to the affected tooth. If you can find the crown or filling, it’s best to bring it with you when you seek emergency dental care. If left untreated, the exposed area can become infected and cause more serious oral health problems.
While waiting for an appointment, you can apply clove oil or over-the-counter dental cement to the affected area. Just put a few drops of clove oil on a cotton swab and apply to the area for temporary relief. Dental cement can be applied directly to the affected tooth. But it should only be used until you can see your dentist.
Broken tooth
A chipped tooth can be a traumatic experience. One minute you’re eating and the next minute your tooth is chipped or cracked. It is prone to panic in this situation because it can feel like your whole world is turned upside down.
But with a few tips you can ensure that your chipped tooth does not lead to long-term dental problems. You must first rinse your mouth with warm water, stop the bleeding, and then apply a cold compress to the affected area. It will help reduce swelling and pain. If you have bits of the tooth, try to save them as your dentist may be able to save them. Don’t eat or drink anything until you can see your dentist.
Final thoughts
No matter what kind of dental emergency you are dealing with, it is essential to take the necessary steps to protect your oral health. With some quick action, you can make sure there’s no long-term damage and your smile stays healthy.
If you ever have a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to contact your dentist. They can provide the best advice and care so that you can smile again as soon as possible and enjoy your life to the fullest.