What to Do In a Dental Emergency?

We list a few valuable tips that can help you at home until you avail emergency help.

• Toothaches

Severe toothache is a sign that something is wrong, and you should not wait to seek emergency care. Meanwhile, rinse your mouth with warm saltwater that will help dislodge any trapped food between your teeth. If you have facial swelling, use an icepack and painkillers for temporary relief.

• Cut Tongue, Lip, or Cheek

In case of bleeding, apply pressure with sterile gauze to decrease the chances of infection and complication. Contact an emergency room if the cut looks substantial and bleeding does not seem to be subsiding.

• Broken, Cracked, or Chipped Tooth

For a broken tooth, it is best to avoid the area. No chewing or rinsing in the the area. If possible, recover any broken tooth fragments and contact your dentist as soon as possible to evaluate the extent of damage.

• Knocked Out Permanent Tooth

Pick up the knocked-out tooth and hold it by the crown top, not the root. Its best to reinsert the tooth immediately. Do not remove any attached nerve tissues, as they may help us reattach the tooth. If you cannot reinsert it, place the tooth in a cup of milk or wrap in a wet napkin and bring it with you to your appointment. Time is of the essense, the longer it is out of the tooth socket, the less chance of saving the tooth.

• Broken Wires and Braces

If a wire in your braces breaks or comes out of a bracket and pricks your mouth’s insides, try and push it to a non-irritating position. If you cannot do this, place a cotton swab until you reach us or your orthodontist.

• Cold, Canker Sores, and Abscesses

Generally, ulcers or cold sores are common to those that get them and should heal on their own with time. Be careful around them and try to avoid hot or spicy foods while they heal. Over the counter pain medication can provide temporary relief.

An abscess is a severe infection that generally occurs on the gumline around the teeth or in the bone. They are very painful. If the abscess is not treated, the infection might spread to other parts of the body. If you have pain or swelling in the gums, seek professional help at the as soon as possible.

How to Avoid Dental Emergencies?