Dental emergencies can be really scary, especially if you’re not sure what to do. Whether it’s a toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, it’s important to stay calm and take immediate action, including visiting an emergency dentistry near you, to make sure your teeth stay healthy.
In this blog post, we’ll go over different types of dental emergencies and what you should do if they happen.
Understanding Dental Emergencies
A dental emergency is when something happens to your teeth or mouth that needs immediate care. Here are some common types of dental emergencies:
- Toothache: This is when you have a sharp or throbbing pain in your tooth.
- Chipped or Broken Tooth: This happens if you bite down on something hard or have an accident.
- Knocked-Out Tooth: This is when a tooth is completely knocked out of your mouth.
- Loose Tooth: This is when a tooth is wobbly but hasn’t fallen out.
- Lost Filling or Crown: This happens if a filling or crown falls out of your tooth.
- Abscess: This is an infection at the root of a tooth or between the gum and a tooth.
What to Do in a Dental Emergency
Toothache
- Rinse Your Mouth: Firstly, wash your mouth thoroughly with warm water. It can help clean out any food particles stuck in your teeth.
- Floss Gently: Use dental floss to gently remove any food or debris that might be causing the pain.
- Use a Cold Compress: If your face is swollen, place a cold compress on the outside of your cheek. It helps reduce swelling and dulls the pain.
- Take Pain Relief: If you’re in a lot of pain, you can take over-the-counter pain medication like ibuprofen. While consuming, consider following the instructions on the bottle.
- Visit the Dentist: If the pain doesn’t go away, make an appointment with a dental clinic in Winnipeg as soon as possible.
Chipped or Broken Teeth
- Save the Pieces: If you can find the broken pieces of your tooth, save them. The dentist might be able to use them.
- Rinse Your Mouth: Use warm water to rinse your mouth and clean the surrounding area.
- Stop the Bleeding: If there is any bleeding, apply a piece of gauze to the area and bite down gently until the bleeding stops.
- Use a Cold Compress: Apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.
- Visit the Dentist: See your dentist right away. They will determine the best way to fix your tooth.
Knocked-Out Tooth
- Find the Tooth: If possible, find the tooth and pick it up by the crown (the part you chew with), not the root.
- Rinse the Tooth: Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue.
- Reinsert the Tooth: If you can, try to put the tooth back in its socket. Hold it in place with a clean cloth or gauze.
- Keep the Tooth Moist: If you can’t reinsert the tooth, place it in a cup of milk or a tooth-preservation product. You can also place it in your mouth between your cheek and gum, but be careful not to swallow it.
- Visit the dentist immediately: Time is critical for a knocked-out tooth. Get to the dentist within 30 minutes for the best chance of saving the tooth.
Loose Tooth
- Avoid Touching It: Try not to wiggle or touch the loose tooth.
- Keep It Clean: Rinse your mouth with warm water to keep the area clean.
- Visit the Dentist: Go to the dentist to get emergency dental care. They can decide if the tooth can be saved.
Lost Filling or Crown
- Save the Filling or Crown: If you can, find the lost filling or crown and save it.
- Use Dental Cement: Over-the-counter dental cement can reattach the crown or temporarily protect the area.
- Avoid Sticky Foods: Try not to eat anything sticky or hard that could cause more damage.
- Visit the Dentist: Make an appointment with your dentist to get the filling or crown properly replaced.
Abscess
- Rinse with Salt Water: Rinse your mouth with a mixture of salt and warm water several times a day. It can help draw out the infection.
- Avoid Touching the Area: Try not to poke or touch the abscessed area.
- Take Pain Relief: Use over-the-counter pain medication to manage the pain.
- Visit the Dentist Immediately: An abscess is a serious infection that needs prompt treatment. Go to the dentist as soon as possible.
Preventing Dental Emergencies
While it’s important to know what to do in a dental emergency, it’s even better to prevent them from happening in the first place. Here are a few tips to protect your teeth:
- Wear a Mouthguard: If you play sports, make sure to wear a mouthguard to keep your teeth safe from injury.
- Avoid Chewing Hard Objects: Don’t chew on ice, popcorn kernels, or hard candy. These can crack your teeth.
- Don’t Use Your Teeth as Tools: Refrain from using your teeth to open packages or bottles.
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brush your teeth twice a day, floss every day, and regularly visit your dentist for check-ups.
- Eat a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and dairy products can help keep your teeth strong.
Last Thoughts
Dental emergencies can happen to anyone, but knowing what to do can make a big difference. Whether it’s a toothache, a broken tooth, or a knocked-out tooth, taking the right steps can help save your teeth and reduce pain.
Remember to stay calm, take immediate action, and visit an emergency dental clinic like Westend Dental immediately. Remember, taking good care of your teeth every day can help prevent many dental emergencies from happening in the first place.