Emergencies always occur unexpectedly, and the same goes for dental emergencies; they can happen at any time. You should know how to respond to an emergency, which helps prevent further complications and reduce pain. The current article will lead you to steps that can be taken for the sake of a dental emergency at home and also will let the reader know about the professional help to be taken in a dental emergency.
Common Dental Emergencies:
1. Toothache:
This type of ache may occur based on mild discomfort to severe pain. The same could lead to tooth decay, an infection in the tooth, or gum disease. Therefore, if you experience such kind of pain or discomfort, you should do the following steps:
· Immediate Actions: For quick action at home, you should thoroughly rinse your mouth with the help of warm water and also use gentle floss surrounding the tooth that is hurting. It helps to clean the food, which causes uneasiness and discomfort.
· When to consult a Dentist: If you have already tried all remedies and the pain continues, you can consult the nearest dentist immediately. If this kind of pain is ignored, it could lead to many other severe complications.
2. Chipped or Broken Tooth:
This condition occurs when you meet some unexpected accident or accidently bite some hard object. It might occur because of sudden trauma. Below are the tips for you to follow:
·Immediate Actions: You should try to save the broken pieces of a chipped tooth and immediately rinse with warm water. An individual can further carry out a cold compress to reduce the swelling.
·Urgency of Dental Visit: After following the first step, you must seek dental help as the tooth has been chipped. The same will help prevent infection or other diseases of the teeth. Even if there’s minor damage, you need to see a dentist immediately.
3. Knocked-Out Tooth:
A knocked-out tooth requires more care to protect from infections.
Please follow the below-mentioned steps for the best results:
· Immediate Actions: Keeping the tooth gripped, cleanse your mouth with hot water.
· Time Sensitivity: After taking the initial steps, seek dental help immediately within 30 minutes to re-implant the tooth.
4. Other Emergencies:
Object Stuck Between Teeth:
If you feel something has stuck in the teeth and is causing discomfort, you can take the precautions mentioned below.
o Dental floss helps remove the object, and using sharp objects in the teeth is not recommended as they damage the gums.
Lost Filling and Crown:
If you lose your filling or crown and danger of exposure to sensitive part arises, the following steps could be taken temporarily:
o It would help if you tried to cover the sensitive area with the help of dental cement or sugarless gum and try to visit the dentist as soon as possible. In this regard, schedule an appointment with the dentist to prevent damage and causing infection.
5. When to Seek Immediate Help
Below-mentioned situations/circumstances require immediate help from the dentist:
- The significant signs of infection include gum swelling or fever. It also includes the foul taste of the mouth.
- If the pain is severe and cannot be reduced with the help of a pain reliever, immediate help is needed.
- If you face trauma, serious injury may occur. Therefore, quick dental help is needed.
6. Preventing Dental Emergencies
- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: An individual should brush their teeth twice daily and floss daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Brush your teeth at least twice daily and floss daily to prevent tooth decay and gum disease.
- Use Protective Gear: Wear a mouth guard to prevent dental injuries during sports activities.
- Be Mindful of Your Diet: Avoid chewing on ice, hard candies, or other complex objects that can crack or damage your teeth.
7. Conclusion:
Being ready for dental emergencies is crucial for keeping your mouth healthy. If something happens to your teeth or gums, staying calm can help. First, try to do what you can to manage the situation, then get to the dentist as soon as possible. Knowing how to handle these emergencies and taking steps to prevent them can help protect your smile for a long time.
If you’re experiencing a dental emergency or need to schedule a routine check-up, don’t hesitate to contact us. Contact us to inquire about our services and how we can assist you in maintaining optimal dental health.
References:
1. American Dental Association (ADA). Dental Emergencies. Available at: https://www.mouthhealthy.org/en/dental-emergencies.
2. Mayo Clinic. Toothache. Available at: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/toothache/symptoms-causes/syc-20350942.
3.WebMD. Knocked-Out Tooth. Available at: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/guide/avulsed-tooth.
4. Colgate. Chipped or Broken Teeth. Available at: https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/basics/dental-visits/chipped-tooth-what-to-do-0220.
5. NHS. Dental Emergencies. Available at: https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/toothache/.