Dental emergencies can be both alarming and painful, disrupting your day with unexpected urgency. Understanding how to react can save you not only discomfort but potentially your teeth as well.
Here are common dental mishaps and how you can initially manage them before seeing a dentist.
Toothaches: Often a signal of underlying issues, toothaches should never be ignored. Begin by cleaning your mouth thoroughly. Rinse vigorously with warm water to dislodge any trapped food particles. If swelling is present, apply a cold compress to the outside of your mouth. Avoid the application of painkillers directly against the gums near the aching tooth, as they may burn the gum tissue.
Chipped or broken teeth: Save any pieces of the tooth you can find. Rinse your mouth and the pieces with warm water. If bleeding occurs, apply a piece of gauze to the area for about 10 minutes or until the bleeding stops. To address swelling and pain, a cold compress can be applied to the cheek or lips over the broken tooth.
Knocked-out tooth: Time is critical in this scenario. Retrieve the tooth by the crown (the part that is usually exposed in the mouth), not the root. Rinse the tooth with water if it’s dirty, but do not scrub it or remove any attached tissue fragments. If possible, try to gently reinsert the tooth into its socket. If that’s not possible, keep the tooth moist by placing it in milk or a tooth preservation product. See a dentist as quickly as possible—a knocked-out tooth has the highest chance of being saved if returned to its socket within one hour of being knocked out.
Lost filling or crown: If a crown falls off, save the crown and schedule an appointment with your dentist right away. Before your visit, slipping the crown back over the tooth can help. Coat the inner surface with over-the-counter dental cement, toothpaste, or denture adhesive to help hold the crown in place. Don’t use super glue!
Abscess: Abscesses are infections that occur around the root of a tooth or in the space between the teeth and gums. Abscesses are a serious condition that can damage tissue and surrounding teeth, and the infection can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated. Prompt treatment is crucial. While waiting for your dental appointment, rinse your mouth with a mild saltwater solution several times a day to ease the pain and draw the pus toward the surface.
In all cases, it’s important to contact your dentist as soon as possible. They can provide guidance on how to manage your discomfort and are equipped to handle any necessary treatments. Remember, handling dental emergencies effectively starts with quick thinking and immediate care, setting the stage for the best possible outcomes.