Effective Ways to Deal With a Dental Emergency

Dental emergencies can be extremely frightening to deal with. Be it a chipped tooth or injured gums; dental emergencies require quick action to prevent any permanent damage to your oral health. The most challenging part about dealing with such a crisis is its unexpectedness. One cannot be prepared for a potential dental accident, which is why it is essential to stay calm and composed in case of such an event. Keeping your wits is going to save you from even more damage.

Symptoms like severe toothache or swelling may be a signal of an upcoming dental emergency. In this case, it is important to figure out the actual cause of the discomfort and take the necessary steps. 

In case of a lost tooth
The most common cases of dental crisis involve a knocked-out tooth. If it is a child’s teeth, the first step is to preserve it by keeping it moist. If the tooth is broken, the area should be first cleaned properly. Applying a cold compress to the affected area can help ease the pain.

Injured soft tissues
Injuries like bleeding gums, injured tongue or cheek can catch you off guard. It is common for people to accidentally cut the inside of the mouth, causing damage to the soft tissues. The first thing to be done in such an emergency is to rinse the mouth with saltwater. Then use any moist gauze to apply pressure for 15-20 minutes. Press a cold compress on the painful area for about five to ten minutes to relieve the pain. In case the bleeding continues, seek the help of a medical professional immediately.

Partially dislodged tooth
In case of a partially dislodged or extruded tooth, use a cold compress on the cheek to reduce the pain and immediately see a dentist.

Abscess
An abscess is a dental condition caused by a bacterial infection in the mouth. It can damage the gums and teeth extensively. It can even spread to other body parts if left untreated. The symptom of this condition is a painful pimple-like swelling on the gum. It is important to see a dentist immediately in case of this condition. To reduce the pain, try rinsing your mouth with salt water several times a day.

Broken braces or wires
The best way to deal with such an emergency is to try pushing them in a more comfortable position. If that is not possible, cover the broken end with a soft cotton ball or gauze until you can visit your orthodontist. In case of a lost filling, sugarless gum can be used as a temporary measure.

Any dental emergency requires one to stay calm. The first step is to gauge the situation and make a quick decision about what needs to be done. In case of a doubt, do not do anything that could further exacerbate worsen the situation. Seek the help of an experienced and professional general dentist or orthodontist as soon as possible.

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