Are You Prepared for a Dental Emergency?

August 11, 2019

Are you prepared for a dental emergency? Your smile is one of the most valuable things you own– don’t risk it by being unprepared. The last thing you want is to have a colossal tooth ache in the middle of the night, with you thinking you have no choice but to suffer through it.

You should know how to respond to oral health emergencies beforehand. However, there’s no need to panic and the best option is to immediately give a call to your dentist. Dental emergencies could include circumstances of sudden pain or sensitivity after having hot or cold beverages, oral infections, fractures, cavities and gum infections.

The problem with most of these is that you don’t immediately realize what’s wrong in your mouth until your experience pain. Your best bet is to proactively keep a check on your oral issues. Following are some tips on how to deal with different types of dental emergencies:

Experiencing Sudden Pain

As soon as you experience toothache or feel some particles between your teeth and gums, rinse your mouth with warm water and gently brush your teeth regardless of what time of day it is. Then, floss but avoid using sharp nails as you attempt to remove the stuck particles – always use dental floss.

If the pain continues, book an appointment with your local dentist the same day. Having their number in your contacts list can help you be more prepared for a dental emergency.

Broken Teeth

If one or more of your teeth have been knocked out, preserve them by keeping them moist until you see your dentist. The dentist may be able to save your teeth. You can successfully keep them moist by keeping them in milk or salty water.

You may also keep them between your cheeks and gums or even place them at their original position. Make sure you avoid touching the root with the tooth. Additionally, ADA-accepted tooth preservation products are also available that contain medium of cell growth, which help your teeth survive for a maximum of 24 hours. Visit your local dentist as soon as you can!

Cracked Teeth and Bites

If your tooth is injured, use warm water to rinse your mouth. Then clean that area in the mouth and make sure its dry. If it swells, place a cold compress close to your injured tooth.

Visit the dentist as soon as possible. The damage needs to be treated with proper sterilization techniques.

Lost Filling

Consider the case in which you were previously treated and the filling has now been removed, position a piece of sugar-free gum on your cavity for the time being, or an over-the-counter cement can also be used. However, this is only meant to protect the area so meet your dentist soon after to get it permanently resolved.

Being prepared for a dental emergency can mean being ready for a quick visit to your local  do it sooner, rather than later, to preserve your smile!