Do you know what to do in the event of a dental emergency? Here’s where you’ll learn what you need to do, who to reach out to, and how to avoid potential issues.
Do you need immediate attention?
Some dental emergencies need immediate attention, while others can wait. It’s particularly important to know the difference between the two if you have a dental emergency on the weekend or at night, when most dental offices are closed.
The following are some examples of dental emergencies that need immediate attention:
- Gums that won’t stop bleeding
- A tooth that is loose or has been knocked out.
- Jaw injury
- Swelling that hurts
- A throbbing toothache just won’t go away
- Swollen cheeks or face, as well as a toothache
- Tooth sensitivity to the extreme
Urgent dental issues should be addressed right away! If you encounter any of the above issues, contact your dentist right away.
If you have any of the issues mentioned above outside of business hours, most dentists have an emergency number. If you still can’t contact your dentist for any reason, go to the emergency department if you have a dental emergency.
Non-urgent dental emergencies include the following:
- A tooth that has been broken or cracked is known as a cracked tooth (unless the tooth is causing you severe pain)
- Retainer or Night Guard that is broken or damaged
- Food stuck between the teeth
- a toothache that is dull
- Teeth with a small chip
- Tooth sensitivity (mild)
Even if you are experiencing a non-urgent dental emergency, you can always contact your dentist as soon as possible. Although you might be able to wait a few days to contact your dentist, it is important that you do so immediately.
What to do in the event of a dental emergency at home
There may be things you can do at home to help relieve the discomfort and cure the problem, depending on the dental emergency you’re having. Whatever the situation, one of the most important things to remember is to remain calm. When you become nervous, your body produces a variety of responses that can exacerbate your situation, so try to stay calm while seeking assistance.
Here’s a list of things you should do at home to help relieve any pain or discomfort brought on by a dental emergency:
- To alleviate inflammation and minimise swelling, dissolve a teaspoon of salt in a mug of boiling water and use it as a warm mouthwash.
- If a tooth has been knocked out, place it in a glass of milk before you can see your dentist.
- Floss your teeth! It’s likely that something has gotten lodged between your teeth or inside your gum tissue if you’re having discomfort around a single tooth.
- Apply a cold compress to the affected area to help minimise swelling, numb irritation, and avoid any bleeding.
- To help destroy bacteria and relieve discomfort, swish with Hydrogen Peroxide.
- To help relieve any discomfort, take the recommended dosage of an over-the-counter pain reliever.
Dental Emergencies and Prevention
If you’ve had a dental emergency, you may be thinking what you can do to keep it from happening again. Visiting your Richmond, VA dentist twice a year for comprehensive hygiene visits is the safest way to avoid a dental emergency. If you hold these appointments, you will have a far lower chance of experiencing something unpleasant and unexpected in your mouth.
Other suggestions for avoiding dental emergencies are as follows:
During the recommended treatment plan, complete any treatment your dentist suggests for you. Problems with the teeth just get worse over time. You’re putting yourself at risk for future discomfort if you put off getting a filling, crown, or root canal.
Brush and floss at least once a day. Developing a good oral hygiene regimen will help you maintain a healthy mouth and strong teeth.
Foods that are particularly tough or chewy should be avoided. Hard bread, jerky, pretzels, hard candy, and chewy candy are all examples.
If you have periodontal disorder, consult your dentist (gum disease). If you have gum disease, you can need more hygiene visits per year to keep your teeth in good shape.