Nobody plans on having a dental emergency.
You just wake up one day, like any other normal day, and come to realize that the universe decided to make it unpleasant.
So it’s important to stay prepared for a bad tooth day. Knowing what to do in these situations can help prevent it from worsening and potentially save your tooth.
In this blog, we’ll cover what to do if you experience a dental emergency. We’ll discuss the steps you should take to reduce pain and swelling, and when to seek professional help. Read on to learn more about how to handle a dental emergency.
Most Common Dental Emergencies & Remedies
By understanding how to handle a dental emergency, you can reduce the likelihood of further damage or complications. Here we’ll discuss 4 tooth crises that can arise with anybody and the remedies to minimize damage.
Toothache
A toothache can be extremely painful and can make it difficult to concentrate on your daily tasks. In case you are experiencing a toothache, try taking the following course of action.
Firstly rinse your mouth with warm water to flush out debris or any food particles that may be stuck between your teeth. Flossing can also be helpful to remove anything that the water didn’t pick up.
Additionally, take an over-the-counter pain reliever like ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce swelling and pain. Apply a cold compress to the affected side of your face to numb the area and reduce discomfort.
Alternatively, check out these natural toothache remedies you can try.
Knocked out tooth
If you go through the unfortunate experience of having a knocked-out tooth, you should first locate the tooth. It may sound obvious, but it is essential that you locate the tooth as soon as possible.
Once you’ve found the tooth, pick it up only by the crown. Rinse it with water to remove any dirt or debris and avoid scrubbing at all costs.
Next, try to insert the tooth back into its socket as gently as possible. If you cannot do this, place the tooth in a container of milk or a saline solution and seek immediate attention from your dentist.
Chipped or cracked tooth
If you accidentally end up with a chipped or cracked tooth, you should take immediate action to reduce the risk of further damage.
First, rinse your mouth with warm water to remove any debris from the fracture. You can also apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth to reduce any swelling and pain.
To prevent further injury, you should avoid eating or drinking anything that is too hot or cold, and also avoid chewing on the side of your mouth that is affected by the chipped or cracked tooth. If the pain is severe or you are unable to close your mouth, you should visit a dentist and get one of the procedures mentioned in this blog.
Dental abscess
Severe toothache and/or swelling around a tooth may be an indication that you are suffering from a dental abscess. This is a serious condition that requires immediate attention from a dentist.
In the meantime, you can help alleviate some of the pain and discomfort by rinsing your mouth with warm salt water several times a day. This reduces inflammation and kills bacteria.
Additionally, it’s important to avoid any hot or cold food and beverage. Avoid chewing on the affected side of your mouth as much as possible.
It is essential that you seek professional help as soon as possible in order to prevent any long-term damage to your teeth and gums. Read more about abscessed teeth and treatment procedures here.
Conclusion
It is important to be aware of what to do in the event of a dental emergency. If you are experiencing extreme pain, excessive bleeding, a broken tooth, or any other dental emergency, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
If you think you need professional help, book an appointment with Premier Family Dental Care by clicking here.
