Managing Dental Emergencies

Dental emergencies happen, and when they do, it’s important to know how to handle them. This blog post will teach you the basics of managing dental emergencies, from what to do if you experience a toothache to dealing with a chipped tooth. So read on for tips on how to manage common dental emergencies.

What is a dental emergency?

A dental emergency is any type of oral health problem that requires immediate treatment. Dental emergencies can range from a toothache to a cracked tooth, and they can often be painful. If you experience any type of pain in your mouth, it’s important to see a dental professional right away.

9 Most Common Dental Emergencies 

Here are the 9 most common dental emergencies and what you should do if you ever find yourself in any of them.

1. Lost dental crown

A dental crown is a tooth-shaped “cap” that is placed over a tooth to restore its shape, size, and strength or improve its appearance. If your dental crown falls out, it’s important to try and find the piece and bring it with you when you seek emergency dental care. 

2. Chipped or Broken tooth

If you chip or break a tooth, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. If the break is severe, there may be exposed nerve endings that can be painful. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the area to reduce swelling.

3. Tooth abscess

A tooth abscess is a pocket of pus that forms around the tooth due to infection. If left untreated, an abscess can cause serious damage to the surrounding teeth and tissues. If you think you have an abscess, it’s important to see an experienced dentist immediately. But first, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Knocked-out tooth

If you lose a tooth due to an injury, it’s important to seek emergency dental care right away. While you prepare to seek dental care, rinse the tooth off with water (do not scrub it) and try to reinsert it back into the socket. If that isn’t possible, place the tooth in a cup of milk or saliva until you get to the dentist.

5. Trauma to the mouth

Trauma to the mouth can include anything from a blow to the face to a fall. If you experience trauma to the mouth, it’s important to see a dentist right away. In the meantime, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling.

6. Bleeding gums

If you have bleeding gums, it’s important to see a dentist as soon as possible. Gums can bleed for many reasons, including gum disease and brushing too hard. If your gums are bleeding, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the outside of your cheek to reduce swelling. Then, call a dental clinic for emergency care.

7. Toothache

A toothache is often a sign of infection, so it’s important to seek dental care immediately if you’re experiencing this symptom. If getting to the dentist right away is not possible, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the side of your face where the toothache is located. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication to help relieve the discomfort.

8 Soft tissue injuries

Soft tissue injuries include cuts or tears to the lips, tongue, cheeks and gums. These types of injuries often occur during sports or accidents. If you experience a soft tissue injury, rinse your mouth with warm water and apply a cold compress to the injured area to reduce swelling. Then, call a dental clinic for emergency care.

9 Broken Dentures or braces

Dentures are prosthetic devices that are used to replace missing teeth. If you have broken dentures or braces, it’s important to see your dentist as soon as possible. Dentures and braces can break for many reasons, including impact or wear and tear. 

So, if your dentures or braces are broken, rinse your mouth with warm water and call a dental clinic for emergency care. In the meantime, try to avoid using the denture and rinse your mouth with warm water.

When should I see a dentist?

If you experience any type of pain in your mouth, you should see a dentist as soon as possible. Emergency dental care is available for patients who experience tooth pain, bleeding gums, soft tissue injuries and other dental problems.

If you’re not sure whether or not your condition is an emergency, call a dental clinic and explain your symptoms. They will be able to give you advice on whether or not you need to be seen by a dentist right away.

How to prevent dental emergencies

There are a few things you can do to help prevent dental emergencies; some of them include:

• Not chewing on hard objects

It can be tempting to use your teeth to open that package or bottle, but resist the urge! Chewing on hard objects can crack or break your teeth and lead to a dental emergency. So instead, stick to using scissors or a knife to open things and save your teeth for chewing food.

• Avoiding chewy and sticky foods

Candy might taste delicious, but it’s not so great for our teeth. Chewy and sticky foods can pull out fillings or brackets and cause other dental problems. So it’s best to avoid candy and other chewy or sticky foods. But if you must, remember to brush your teeth afterwards to avoid any dental emergencies.

• Wearing a mouthguard when playing sports

If you play any type of contact sport, it’s important to wear a mouthguard. Mouthguards help protect your teeth from being cracked or broken if you take a hit to the face. You can buy mouthguards at most sporting goods stores or ask your dentist if they have any recommendations.

• Practicing good oral hygiene

One of the best ways to prevent dental emergencies is to practice good oral hygiene. This means brushing your teeth twice a day, flossing daily, and visiting the dentist for regular checkups and cleanings. By taking care of your teeth, you can avoid dental emergencies and keep your smile looking its best.

The best way to manage dental emergencies

Dental emergencies can be painful and stressful, but they don’t have to be. And while they can happen to anyone at any time, the above tips can help provide a temporary remedy or even prevent them from happening in the first place.However, if you do experience a dental emergency, don’t hesitate to call Dundas Dental Care for help.